Understanding Company Law

The book "Understanding Company Law" does not appear to be written by Phillip Lipton, Abraham Herzberg, Benjamin B. Saunders, or Catherine Robinson. The sources provided suggest that the book "Understanding Company Law" is written by Alastair Hudson, and it has been published in multiple editions.

Key Themes and Plot Summary

• Introduction to Company Law: The book provides a lively and engaging introduction to the key principles of modern company law, including the Companies Act 2006 and related fields like securities regulation, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility.
• Regulatory Framework: It covers the regulatory framework that governs companies, including registration, types of companies, and their relations with outsiders.
• Directors' Duties: The book delves into the duties of directors, including those of good faith, proper purpose, care, skill, and diligence, as well as conflicts of interest and breach of duty.
• Corporate Governance: It discusses corporate governance, including the UK Corporate Governance Code and recent developments in this area.
• Corporate Insolvency: The book covers corporate insolvency, receivership, voluntary administration, and liquidation.

Critical Reception

• Engaging Approach: The book is praised for its engaging approach, which helps to dispel the perception that company law is dry and technical. Professor Hudson's use of humour and detailed analyses of leading cases make the subject more enjoyable and accessible.
• Thoughtful Analysis: The book provides thoughtful analysis and criticism of the current law, particularly from a left-leaning political perspective. This approach is seen as refreshing and engaging, even if it may not align with everyone's views.
• Recent Developments: The third edition has been updated with key recent changes and developments in company law, including the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024, and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.

Editions

• First Edition: The first edition was published in 2012 and covered significant developments in company law, including the Supreme Court case of Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd UKSC 34, which re-evaluated the law of piercing the corporate veil.
• Second Edition: The second edition updated the book with further recent case law and statutory changes, including the UK Corporate Governance Code of 2016.
• Third Edition: The third edition includes updates on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024, and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, among other developments.

In summary, "Understanding Company Law" by Alastair Hudson is a comprehensive and engaging textbook that covers all key topics in company law, including regulatory frameworks, directors' duties, corporate governance, and corporate insolvency. It is highly regarded for its approachable and thought-provoking analysis, making it essential reading for both law and business students.