This title critically examines the foundations of the Australian legal system and the various contexts within which the law operates and develops. It introduces students to a wide variety of perspectives, drawing on theory, politics, sociology and economics. Topics traverse structural issues relating to access to justice, adversarialism, and discrimination. The book also explores emerging themes related to regulation, the globalisation of law and terrorism. The third edition includes three new chapters: on Law, Globalisation and Terrorism, Law and Regulation, and Race and Multiculturalism; locating the material on Law and Economics within a broader section on Law and Regulation; and revised discussion questions designed to stimulate class discussion and further independent study.