This book challenges the assumption that the post-war period is hallmarked by the triumph of the rule of law. The author focuses on adjudication as a social practice and as a set of governmental techniques. He explores how the relationship between law, government and society has changed in the course of history.

This book takes a critical look at some of the underlying assumptions which shape our current understanding of the role and purpose of law and society. Arguing that the relationship between law and society must be reconceived in a different way in the era of economics, sociology and statistics, Murphy contends that the traditional vision of the role of law, rooted in a complex set of hierarchical assumptions, is no longer adequate.

a remarkable performance - rich in learning, teaming with IapercusI, blessed with set-piece analyses... of ... surpassing beauty.../ Arthur J. Jacobson, Professor of Litigation and Advocacy, Yeshiva University, New York, Jrnl of Law and Society, Vol 26, no 2 , June 1999