Top 20 Law Journals for UK Law Students

1. Modern Law Review (MLR)
Founded in 1937, the MLR is published by Wiley and is widely regarded as the United Kingdom’s most prestigious peer-reviewed law journal, based at the London School of Economics. Issued eight times annually, it features in-depth articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on a diverse range of legal topics, including UK common law, civil law, European Union law, legal theory, socio-legal studies, and law reform proposals. Edited by a distinguished board of UK academics, MLR is renowned for its rigorous peer-review process and its influence on legal policy, with articles frequently cited by the UK Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and international scholars. The journal’s scope includes emerging issues such as data protection and constitutional reform, alongside traditional subjects such as contract and tort law, making it a cornerstone of UK and global legal scholarship with a reputation for shaping contemporary legal debates.

2. Cambridge Law Journal (CLJ)
Established in 1921 and published by Cambridge University Press, the CLJ is a leading peer-reviewed journal based at the University of Cambridge, celebrated for its authoritative scholarship on English law, comparative law, and legal history. Issued three times a year, it includes scholarly articles, case notes, book reviews, and its signature Case and Comment section, which provides critical analyses of recent UK judicial decisions. Edited by prominent academics and legal practitioners, the journal is frequently cited by courts, including the UK Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, for its doctrinal rigour and theoretical depth. The CLJ covers core legal areas such as constitutional law, equity, and trusts, as well as emerging topics such as human rights and international law, contributing significantly to the development of English legal principles and their global influence.

3. Law Quarterly Review (LQR)
Launched in 1885 by Sweet & Maxwell, the LQR is one of the oldest and most esteemed legal periodicals in the English-speaking world, known for its doctrinal focus and scholarly excellence. Published quarterly, it features in-depth articles, case analyses, book reviews, and commentary on English law, comparative law, and legal history, covering various subjects including contract, tort, property, and constitutional law. Edited by a panel of leading UK academics, the LQR is frequently cited by the UK Supreme Court and higher courts, reflecting its profound influence on judicial reasoning and legal scholarship. The journal’s rigorous analyses of case law and legislation, combined with its exploration of historical and contemporary legal issues, make it a vital resource for understanding the evolution and application of English legal principles.

4. Oxford Journal of Legal Studies (OJLS)
Published since 1981 by Oxford University Press, the OJLS is a premier peer-reviewed journal based at the University of Oxford, renowned for its cutting-edge scholarship on legal theory, history, public law, private law, and comparative law. Issued quarterly, it features articles, case notes, and book reviews that integrate law with interdisciplinary perspectives, including philosophy, sociology, and history, addressing topics such as human rights, regulatory frameworks, and jurisprudential debates. Edited by leading UK and international scholars, the OJLS is widely cited in academic and legal circles for its innovative approach to legal scholarship. The journal’s focus on both traditional and emerging legal issues, such as constitutional theory and global law, establishes it as a key platform for advancing legal thought in the UK and beyond.

5. Legal Studies
Legal Studies, the official journal of the Society of Legal Scholars, has been published by Wiley since 1981 and is a leading peer-reviewed journal covering the full spectrum of UK legal disciplines, including public law, private law, legal theory, and socio-legal studies. Issued quarterly, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on topics such as judicial reform, contract law, human rights, and legal policy, authored by prominent academics and practitioners. Based in the UK, the journal is edited by a distinguished editorial board and is known for its academic rigour and its role in fostering scholarly debate. Legal Studies addresses both contemporary UK legal issues and comparative perspectives, making it a significant contributor to legal scholarship with a strong reputation for quality and accessibility.

6. International and Comparative Law Quarterly (ICLQ)
Published since 1952 by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law via Cambridge University Press, the ICLQ is a leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on international law, European Union law, and comparative legal systems. Issued quarterly, it includes articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on topics such as international human rights, trade law, conflict of laws, and cross-jurisdictional legal principles, often analysing UK law’s global context. Edited by prominent UK and international scholars, ICLQ is frequently cited by international tribunals, the UK Supreme Court, and academic researchers. The journal’s rigorous scholarship and focus on global legal frameworks make it a cornerstone for studying international and comparative law.

7. Medical Law Review
Launched in 1993 by Oxford University Press, the Medical Law Review is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the intersection of law, medicine, and ethics, with a strong emphasis on UK legal frameworks. Published three times a year, it features articles, case comments, book reviews, and analyses of healthcare regulation, bioethics, patient rights, mental health law, and medical negligence. The journal frequently examines landmark UK cases, such as those involving informed consent, reproductive rights, or end-of-life care, and is edited by a board of UK and international academics. Its interdisciplinary approach, combining law with medical and ethical perspectives, makes it a vital resource for exploring medico-legal issues and their implications in the UK and globally.

8. Criminal Law Review
Published by Sweet & Maxwell since 1954, the Criminal Law Review is the UK’s premier journal on criminal law and procedure, renowned for its authoritative case commentaries, legislative updates, and scholarly articles. Issued monthly, it covers topics such as sentencing, criminal evidence, criminal justice reform, and procedural law, analysing recent cases from the UK Crown Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. Edited by leading criminal law experts, the journal is widely cited by practitioners, academics, and courts, reflecting its significant influence on UK criminal justice. Its detailed analyses of legislative changes, such as updates to the Criminal Justice Act, and its focus on emerging issues like cybercrime make it a critical resource for criminal law scholarship.

9. Public Law
Public Law, published by Sweet & Maxwell since 1956, is a leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK constitutional and administrative law, judicial review, and human rights. Issued quarterly, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on key developments, including Brexit’s impact on the UK constitution, devolution, and Human Rights Act cases. Edited by prominent UK scholars and practitioners, the journal is frequently cited by the UK Supreme Court and administrative courts for its rigorous analysis of governance and judicial oversight. Its exploration of constitutional theory, public policy, and administrative law reforms establishes it as a cornerstone for studying the UK’s evolving legal and political framework.

10. Journal of Environmental Law
Established in 1989 by Oxford University Press, the Journal of Environmental Law is a leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK and international environmental regulation, climate change law, and sustainability. Published three times a year, it features articles, case comments, book reviews, and analyses of legislation such as the UK’s Environmental Act 2021, covering topics such as biodiversity, renewable energy, and environmental justice. Edited by a board of global experts, the journal integrates law with environmental science and policy, addressing both UK-specific and global issues. Its rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary approach make it a key platform for exploring environmental legal frameworks and their societal impact.

11. Feminist Legal Studies
Founded in 1993 and published by Springer, Feminist Legal Studies is a peer-reviewed journal that examines UK and international legal issues through feminist and intersectional perspectives. Issued three times a year, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on gender, equality, and social justice, addressing various topics including reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, domestic violence law, and gender-based legal reforms. Edited by an international board of scholars, the journal is recognised for its critical analyses of UK legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010, and its contribution to global feminist legal scholarship. Its interdisciplinary approach makes it a vital resource for studying gender and law intersections.

12. European Law Journal (ELJ)
Launched in 1995 by Wiley, the ELJ is a peer-reviewed journal focusing on European Union law, governance, and legal integration, with particular relevance for UK-EU relations post-Brexit. Published six times a year, it features articles, case analyses, book reviews, and commentary on EU institutions, constitutional law, competition law, and cross-border legal issues. Edited by a board of UK and European scholars, the journal is known for its interdisciplinary approach, blending law with political science and economics. Its analyses of EU treaties and UK-related case law make it a significant resource for studying European legal frameworks and their global implications.

13. Journal of Business Law
Published by Sweet & Maxwell since 1957, the JBL is a leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK and international company, corporate finance, and commercial law. Issued eight times a year, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on corporate governance, insolvency, financial regulation, and UK legislation such as the Companies Act 2006. Edited by UK legal experts, JBL is widely cited by practitioners and academics for its practical and scholarly insights into business law. The journal’s coverage of emerging issues, such as corporate sustainability and digital finance, makes it a key platform for studying commercial legal developments.

14. Lloyd’s Maritime and Commercial Law Quarterly (LMCLQ)
Established in 1974 by Informa Law, the LMCLQ is an internationally respected peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK and global maritime, shipping, insurance, and commercial dispute law. Published quarterly, it features articles, case analyses, and commentary on international trade contracts, admiralty law, and commercial litigation, often cited by the UK Commercial Court and international tribunals. Edited by leading UK and international scholars, LMCLQ addresses complex issues such as maritime arbitration and insurance law reforms, making it a critical resource for studying maritime and commercial law with a global perspective.

15. Journal of Corporate Law Studies (JCLS)
Launched in 2001 by Taylor & Francis, the JCLS is a peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK and international corporate governance, company law, and financial regulation. Published twice a year, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on topics such as shareholder rights, corporate social responsibility, mergers, and UK corporate legislation. Edited by a board of UK and global academics, the JCLS is recognised for its rigorous scholarship and practical relevance, addressing both established and emerging corporate law issues, such as ESG (environmental, social, governance) frameworks. The journal is a key platform for studying corporate legal systems and their global applications.

16. Statute Law Review
Founded in 1980 by Oxford University Press, the Statute Law Review is a specialised peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK statutory interpretation, legislative drafting, and legal reform. Published three times a year, it features articles, case comments, and book reviews analysing how UK courts interpret legislation, such as the Interpretation Act 1978, and exploring parliamentary lawmaking processes and statutory reforms. Edited by UK legal scholars, the journal is known for its unique focus on the technical aspects of legislation, including drafting techniques and judicial approaches to statutory construction, making it a vital resource for studying the mechanics of UK legislative systems.

17. Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly (NILQ)
Published since 1937 by Queen’s University Belfast, the NILQ is a peer-reviewed journal offering a UK-wide perspective with a particular focus on Northern Irish and comparative law. Issued quarterly, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on constitutional law, human rights, devolution, and Northern Irish legal developments, often analysing cases from the Northern Ireland High Court and UK Supreme Court. Edited by Belfast-based academics, NILQ is recognised for its scholarly depth and its exploration of Northern Ireland’s unique legal context within the UK, making it a key resource for studying regional and comparative law.

18. Edinburgh Law Review
Established in 1996 by Edinburgh University Press, the Edinburgh Law Review is a leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on Scots law, comparative law, and legal theory, bridging common law and civil law traditions. Published three times a year, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on Scottish property law, criminal justice, family law, and European law, authored by UK and international scholars. Edited in Edinburgh, the journal is known for its rigorous scholarship and its role in advancing the study of Scotland’s mixed legal system, making it a critical resource for exploring Scots law and its global connections.

19. International Journal of Evidence and Proof
Launched in 1996 by Sage, the International Journal of Evidence and Proof is a peer-reviewed journal focusing on UK and international procedural law, legal evidence, and fact-finding. Published quarterly, it features articles, case comments, book reviews, and analyses of topics including admissibility of evidence, witness testimony, forensic law, and evidential reforms, authored by global experts. Edited by UK and international scholars, the journal is recognised for its interdisciplinary approach, combining law with criminology and forensic science, and its analyses of UK cases, such as those under the Criminal Procedure Rules, make it a significant resource for studying procedural and evidential law.

20. King’s Law Journal
Founded in 1990 by Taylor & Francis, the King’s Law Journal is a peer-reviewed journal based at King’s College London, focusing on UK public law, EU law, and international law. Published three times a year, it features articles, case notes, book reviews, and commentary on constitutional reform, human rights, international trade, and global legal issues, authored by leading scholars and practitioners. Edited by a board of UK academics, the journal is known for its critical scholarship and its engagement with contemporary legal challenges, such as post-Brexit legal frameworks and human rights law developments, making it a key platform for studying public and international law.