Book Review
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200800013 |
| Date | 01 May 2008 |
| Published date | 01 May 2008 |
| Pages | 43-46 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 10 Issue 2 • May 2008 © Pavilion Publishing (Journals) Limited 43
Book review
Alison Brammer’s first edition of Social Work Law clearly
resonated with social work students and practitioners for its
breadth of legal detail and accessibility. The second edition
will not disappoint those readers who are seeking the same
qualities and for whom explicit knowledge of the content of
the legal rules is central to their practice.
This book is monumental, comprising 654 pages, 20
chapters and a lengthy preface. This is not a book to be read in
one sitting, even for an enthusiast for the subject matter such
as this reviewer. Rather it is a book to consult for authoritative
and accessible guidance around key topics and service user
groups, such as children and families, young offenders, mental
capacity, asylum, community care and homelessness. The
opening five chapters provide an introduction to the
relationship between law and social work practice, and an
underpinning context. This covers sources and administration
of law; social workers’ roles in court, quasi-judicial
proceedings, and challenging organisational decision-making;
the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on practice, and the
legal rules surrounding discrimination.
Clarity and accessibility for the reader is assisted by a
standard structure, with chapters concluding with a summary,
websites for further research, notes and, usually, exercises.
There is also a companion website with sections offering
questions and answers, resources for educators, and updates
on changes to the legal rules.
The book draws on all parts of the body of the legal rules –
statute, secondary legislation, policy and practice guidance,
and case law. It is possible, therefore, to see how the law
evolves and how judicial decisions can have a beneficial
impact on standards of social work practice. Indeed, the use of
case law helps to bring the material and its importance alive.
Perhaps, however, what is not fully driven home is the degree
to which agency interpretation and/or implementation of the
legal rules can fall short of what is required and how social
Social Work Law
(2nd edition)
Alison Brammer
Pearson Education/Longman
(2007)
Paperback
320pp
ISBN: 978 187218 807 2
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