Terrorism and the Law by C.Walker. Oxford: Oxford University Press (2011) 553pp. £150.00hb ISBN 978‐0‐19‐956117‐9

Abstract

Clive Walker presents a systematic review of counterterrorism within the United Kingdom until 2010. Unlike other books on counterterrorist law, Walker's book goes beyond the principal anti-terrorism legislation by considering other relevant aspects of domestic legislation, and by making some comparison with international laws. The author also refers to accounts of practical implementation of the law through consideration of interviews and visits undertaken during fieldwork. These three elements combine to provide a comprehensive, yet clear, account of counterterrorism law within the UK until 2010, that should be of interest to academics, lawyers and policy makers. The volume starts with a general introduction to the concept and definition of terrorism. Acknowledging the difficulties which have plagued attempts to define terrorism, Walker succinctly guides the reader through ongoing academic and legal debates. The chapter then moves on to discuss the UK's current legal definition of terrorism, which is then critically evaluated with its strengths and weaknesses highlighted. Walker then compares the UK's attempts to produce clear definitions, with examples drawn from other countries, providing the reader with knowledge of the differing legal approaches being pursued across Europe and the United States. By elucidating these differences, Walker shows the reader how the definition of terrorism directly influences policy, law and policing. Such a comprehensive introduction provides the reader with a solid foundation of knowledge which sets the context for the following sections. The next four sections of the book cover investigation and policing; criminal law and criminal process; other legal controls; and, finally, other jurisdictions. Each of these sections could be considered a stand-alone volume. This format enables each section to continue Walker's guidance of the reader through what he considers the ‘unprincipled, incomplete, and disjointed’ (p.vi) legislation from which the UK's approach to counterterrorism is constructed. In essence, by encapsulating each area of counterterrorism in this way, Walker makes following his reasoning through the text easier for the reader. This reasoning consists of the author demonstrating how the CONTEST counterterrorism strategy which is ‘clear, clever and comprehensive’ (p.7) led to the aforementioned ‘unprincipled, incomplete, and disjointed’ (p.vi) legislation. Overall, Terrorism and the Law is an authoritative account of the UK's counterterrorism law until 2010. The clear writing style, easy-to-follow structure and encyclopaedic knowledge means that this book, should be considered an invaluable reference work for anyone interested in terrorism, counterterrorism and the law, within the United Kingdom.