As in the original edition of 1988, this book covers the principles and practice of argon isotopic dating, a technique that has been used to determine the numerical age of the Earth. The greater precision of the 40Ar/39Ar method allows scientists to test smaller geological samples than its precursor, the K-Ar method, which required a comparison of different elements. The new edition will incorporate new developments made in 40Ar/39Ar application over the last decade, made possible by advances in lasers and mass spectrometry.

Following the international success of Volume 1 in 2010, Volume 2 presents a brand new selection of cases that have changed our lives. This collection of essays examines key cases (both UK and international) that have changed or created the rules and procedures which govern our lives and which we abide by. It takes a retrospective look at the circumstances behind the results of these great cases, examining the facts and the lasting legacies, as well as revealing a human side to the events that is not always apparent from the law reports. The themes addressed by the book demonstrate the rule of law, showing that through something as abstract as judicial reasoning, we create a set of rules and procedures which govern our lives. In support of the rule of law and the causes championed by LexisNexis, a sum of GBP1 from every copy of the book sold will be donated to Stop the Traffik, a global movement of activists around the world who passionately give their time and energy to build resilient communities and prevent human trafficking.

All lawyers have an in-built need to revisit the great cases of the past. After all, that is the basis upon which common law is founded. A retrospective look at the people and circumstances behind the results of these great cases gives tremendous insight and understanding, as well as revealing a human side to the events which is not always apparent from the law reports. This collection of essays examines key cases (both UK and international) that have changed or created the rules and procedures which govern our lives and which we abide by - cases which have changed our lives. The book sets out the facts of each case and examines its impact, with emphasis on the human angle of the story, including: * Who were the people involved? * What was actually decided in the case? * What happened later and how what was decided on the facts changed our lives? * What were the later implications for that area of law and/or other areas of law? * What legacy has the case left? The themes addressed by the book support the rule of law, demonstrating that using something as abstract as judicial reasoning, we create a set of rules and procedures which govern our lives. The rule of law involves the acceptance of this intellectual and abstract concept. With contributions from leading practitioners in their fields, this book gives an insight into the importance of case law and the impact it has on our lives.