Overview of "Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases"
History and Publication:
"Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases" was first published in 1890 by Frederick Stroud. The dictionary has undergone numerous editions and supplements over the years, with significant updates and revisions. The latest edition is the 11th edition, published in 2024, accompanied by a first supplement.
Key Themes:
- Legal Terminology: The dictionary is primarily focused on providing precise and authoritative definitions of legal terms and phrases as they are interpreted in courts and statutory material.
- Judicial Review: The 11th edition includes comprehensive sections on judicial review, covering topics such as jurisdiction, illegality, substantive review, legitimate expectations, procedural fairness, and convention rights.
- Procedural Fairness: It delves into the historical development of judicial review remedies and procedures, including CPR Part 54 claims and other judicial review proceedings.
- Authoritative Source: The dictionary is recognized as an indispensable tool for legal practitioners and a unique source for researchers, providing quick access to exact meanings of legal terms and phrases.
Critical Reception:
- Academic Praise: Glanville Williams described the dictionary as an "excellent work".
- Leading Legal Dictionary: Katherine Topulos noted that the seventh edition is one of "the leading modern English legal dictionaries".
- Continued Relevance: The dictionary remains the starting point for research into the meaning of all words and phrases used in a legal context, as stated in the 11th edition.
Plot Summary (if applicable):
Given the nature of a legal dictionary, there is no narrative plot. Instead, it serves as a comprehensive reference guide, providing detailed definitions and explanations of legal terms and concepts.
Editions and Supplements:
- First Edition (1890): Published by Frederick Stroud.
- Second Edition (1903): Also by Frederick Stroud.
- Supplements: Various supplements have been published over the years, including those by Elsie Wheeler (1930), John Burke (1947), and John S. James (1979).
- Recent Editions: The 11th edition, published in 2024, includes a first supplement.
In summary, "Stroud's Judicial Dictionary of Words and Phrases" is a foundational legal reference that has been updated and expanded over the years to remain a critical tool for legal practitioners and researchers. Its comprehensive coverage of legal terminology and procedures makes it an indispensable resource in the field of law.