The interaction between general principles and the provisions of the standard building and construction contracts is a central feature of construction law. The major part of the law is laid down in decided cases and construction ­professionals should be familiar with these cases, but the information is scattered throughout a large number of law reports. The fifth edition of Powell-Smith and Furmston's Building Contract Casebook is designed to help ­construction professionals become familiar with those key cases.

It brings together a wide range of cases on the main aspects of the law of construction contracts, states the principle established by each case and gives a summary of the facts and the decision. For the majority of cases, verbatim ­extracts from the judgment are included. The casebook presents the leading cases on each topic, together with many lesser-known but important decisions. A number of useful decisions from the Commonwealth are also included. Throughout, the author's approach is practical rather than academic.