Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases

"Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases" is a comprehensive law dictionary that has been a cornerstone in the legal profession for over a century. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

History and Editions

• First Edition: Published in 1890 by Frederick Stroud, the dictionary has undergone numerous revisions and updates over the years. The latest edition is the 11th edition, published in 2024, with annual cumulative supplements.
• Supplements and Editions: The dictionary has seen several supplements and editions, with notable contributors including Elsie Wheeler (1930), John Burke (1947), and John S. James (1971-1974). Daniel Greenberg has been the editor since the 6th edition and continues to serve as Counsel for Domestic Legislation in the House of Commons.

Key Themes

• Legal Terminology: The dictionary provides precise and authoritative definitions of legal terms and phrases as they are interpreted in courts and statutory material.
• Judicial Review: The 11th edition includes extensive coverage on judicial review, including grounds for review, procedures, and remedies. This section is particularly useful for practitioners and researchers in the field of judicial review.
• Court Interpretations: The dictionary reflects how legal terms are understood and applied by courts, making it an indispensable tool for legal professionals.

Critical Reception

• Academic Praise: Glanville Williams described the dictionary as an "excellent work".
• Modern Relevance: Katherine Topulos noted that the seventh edition is one of "the leading modern English legal dictionaries".
• Practical Utility: The dictionary is praised for its ability to provide quick access to exact meanings of legal terms, making it an essential tool for practitioners and researchers.

Dedication

Each edition of the dictionary includes a dedication to Frederick Stroud's wife, H.S., who took an affectionate interest in the project but passed away too early, leaving a lasting impact on the book's charm.

Structure

The latest edition is structured into several parts, including:

• The Context of Judicial Review: This section covers the nature of judicial review, claimants, interested parties, and interveners.
• Grounds of Judicial Review: This part delves into concepts of jurisdiction, illegality, substantive review, legitimate expectations, procedural fairness, and convention rights.
• Procedures and Remedies: This section discusses the historical development of judicial review remedies and procedures, CPR Pt 54 claims, other judicial review proceedings, and monetary remedies.

"Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases" remains a vital resource in the legal profession, providing authoritative definitions and insights into the complexities of English law as interpreted by courts and statutory material.