This book offers a stimulating range of ethical theories and thought-provoking cases. Robert Johns writes with clarity and careful attention to what it all means in practice, for real social workers doing the real job. It will stretch and support readers to reflect thoughtfully and practically about their work and its wider contexts.

Robert Johns’ Ethics and Law for Social Workers provides a critical and accessible approach to the legal knowledge and analytical skills needed by social workers. With critical thinking exercises, case studies and contemporary case material, it offers an excellent introduction to ethical theory and key underpinning concepts such as social justice, accountability and professionalism. Social work students will find it an invaluable study aid, and social workers a good way of revisiting the legal and ethical basis for practice.

This book is a very welcome addition to the literature on law, ethics and social work. The author places the spotlight confidently on the essential legal and moral dilemmas of professional practice, making these complex matters highly accessible and bringing remarkable clarity of vision to the intricacies of professional decision-making.  His analysis will be much valued by students and practitioners alike.

The strength of this book., ultimately, lies in helping social workers understand the relationship between law, ethics, and social justice. It is a valuable addition to the literature, and one that I have recommended to the students I teach. It could also be of benefit to law students and lawyers working in areas of social justice, such as Family Law.