Carvan J, 2005 Understanding the Australian Legal System (5th edn.), Law Book Co. This is a good cook's tour and not expensive.

Cook, Creyke, Geddes & Hamer, 2008 Laying Down the Law (7th edn.), LexisNexis. A textbook for first year law students which sets out the basic principles of the Australian legal system as well as introducing legal reasoning, research and writing.

Laster, Kathy, 2001 Law as Culture (2nd edn.), Federation Press. A text book that approaches the topic from a broader perspective.

Meek, Michael, 2008 The Australian Legal System – LBC Nutshell (4th edn.), Law Book Co. This is a concise book with references to Acts and cases.

Nagarajan, Vijaya, 1989 Australian Law Through 200 Years, Kangaroo Press. An interesting collection of photos illustrating the development of Australian law and legal institutions.

Nygh, PE and Butt, P, 2004 Butterworths Concise Australian Legal Dictionary (3rd edn.), Butterworths. Gives brief explanations of basic legal concepts, words and principles.

Springvale Legal Service & Law Book Co., Lawyers' Practice Manual (Vic.), (looseleaf). This is a useful procedural guide for legal practitioners about a range of legal topics.