The book "Law of Compulsory Land Acquisition" by Marcus Jacobs QC is a comprehensive legal text that focuses on the subject of land resumption in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Comprehensive Coverage: The book is considered the most comprehensive text on compulsory land acquisition in Australia, covering a wide range of issues that may arise in such matters.
2. Legislative Extracts: It includes extracts from the eight principal State and Territory Acts as well as Commonwealth legislation, providing a thorough understanding of the statutory law in this area.
3. Modern Planning Pressures: The book addresses the current challenges faced by Australian cities and infrastructure, highlighting how modern planning pressures are placing compulsory land acquisition at the center of public debate.
4. In-Depth Commentary and Case Law: Extensive legislation extracts are supplemented with in-depth commentary and case law, making it an invaluable tool for legal professionals, courts, tribunals, industry, government offices, and valuers.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather serves as a legal reference guide. It provides a detailed analysis of the legal framework surrounding compulsory land acquisition in Australia. The text is structured to cover various aspects of land resumption, including the legislative framework, procedural steps, and legal implications.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage and timely updates. It is considered an essential guide for anyone involved in land acquisition matters. The late Marcus Jacobs QC is recognized as Australia’s leading land resumption author, and his final edition of this work has been highly regarded by legal professionals and scholars.

Editions and Updates

The book has undergone significant updates since its initial publication. The second edition, which is the most recent version available, has been comprehensively updated by Marcus Jacobs QC in his final edition of the work. This edition builds upon the highly respected "Law of Resumption and Compensation in Australia" (1998) and includes new legislation content that captures the growth of statutory law in this area.

Availability

The book is available in both print and digital formats, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It can be purchased through various legal bookstores and online platforms.