Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law, 7th Edition by Daniel Greenberg CB | 2026*

Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law, 7th Edition by Daniel Greenberg CB | 2026*

Jowitt’s Dictionary of English Law is a leading reference work on English law, providing definitions of both historical and contemporary legal terminology used in England and Wales. It assists readers in clarifying the meaning of legal words and expressions when drafting, interpreting and studying legal materials, making it a useful first point of reference when researching unfamiliar legal concepts.

The 7th edition has undergone extensive revision to incorporate recent legislation, developments in case law and changes to the structure and operation of the courts. It also updates existing entries and introduces additional specialist terms, enabling readers to keep up with changes in legal terminology and contemporary legal practice.

Unlike an encyclopaedia, Jowitt’s primary purpose is to define and explain legal terms that form the foundation of the legal system, rather than provide comprehensive summaries of substantive law across different areas. Its particular strength lies in bringing together modern legal terminology with historical expressions, allowing readers to understand both present-day legal usage and the historical development of legal language.

The dictionary is intended to complement Stroud’s Judicial Dictionary. Whereas Stroud’s focuses on words and expressions that have been given meaning through judicial decisions or legislative provisions, Jowitt’s concentrates on authoritative definitions of technical legal concepts and expressions that constitute the framework and operation of English law.

What's New in Jowitt's Dictionary of English Law, 7th Edition by Daniel Greenberg CB:

• The edition has been comprehensively revised to incorporate recent legislation, developments in case law and changes to the structure of the courts, including the reorganisation of the High Court.

• It includes important recent legislation, such as the Arbitration Act 2025, the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026.

• New and revised definitions address emerging areas of law and evolving legal concepts, including beneficial ownership, electronic trade documents, digital assets, unfair commercial practices and visitor levies.

• The dictionary continues to preserve Jowitt’s distinctive treatment of historical legal terminology while ensuring that its content remains relevant to contemporary legal practice and research.

About the Author:

Daniel Greenberg CB is a lawyer with specialist expertise in legislation and the legislative process. He has served as the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in the House of Commons from 2023 to 2028.

Throughout his career, he has held several significant legal and parliamentary positions. These include serving as a legal adviser in the Lord Chancellor’s Department from 1988 to 1991, Parliamentary Counsel (UK) from 1991 to 2010, Consultant Counsel at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP from 2010 to 2016, and Counsel for Domestic Legislation at the House of Commons from 2016 to 2022.

In recognition of his services to Parliament, Greenberg was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2021 New Year Honours. In addition to his professional work, he writes and lectures on legislation and public law, as well as on subjects relating to Jewish law and philosophy.

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