PREFACE

As a young man pondering career choices，I considered literature，medicine，architecture，psychotherapy and law，amongst others.In the end，mainly out of pragmatism，I chose law.

Now，after over three decades of teaching，researching and writing on law，what do I observe？ Well，foremost，law is intensely logical；the study of law involves deep analysis.Next，it requires a mastery of words.This is especially important when delicate nuancing is required to achieve a just result.Finally，a keen appreciation of the real world is needed.Legal principles must relate to the contexts to which they apply.

I also observe，regrettably，that law is often very complicated and complex.And，at times，the law is unfair and，dare I say，incorrect.Whether it be a new court decision or a novel piece of legislation，much analysis is needed to figure out what the decision or legislation is saying，how it changes the existing law，and what the implications and imperfections are.

Likewise，legal agreements are often difficult to digest.The non-lawyer，as well as the beginner law student，is perplexed.There is a chasm，almost，between him or her and an understanding of the law.

This book seeks to help the reader cross the chasm.It explains the broad challenge of crafting law and the detailed aspects involved in configuring a legal principle.It examines the many ways in which legal complexity arises and helps the reader make sense of the complexity.It grapples with error and unfairness within the law and the reasons for these blemishes.

In other words，to help you understand the design and fabric of the law，know whether it is in harmony with logic and justice，and discern，when the law errs，what the correct position should be.

I must say I found it challenging trying to simplify，explain and demystify the law，and to do so in an accurate yet interesting way.But it was enjoyable too.

May you have a clear view of the law.