Obviously an index is an invaluable aid for finding where the text deals with a
particular topic, concept or person. It goes without saying that the more
detailed the index (and the more the entries are subdivided, double listed and
cross referenced), and the more thoughtfully it is prepared, the more
assistance it renders to a reader.
An index is harder to construct than other tables. Other kinds of tables involve
the alphabetical listing of items such as a case or a statute (which can be done
progressively) and the mechanical task of inserting the number of any
paragraph or page where the text makes reference to them. By contrast, an
index is constructed by performing a careful reading and an analysis of the
text, by making a decision as to the detail or length of the index, by making a
selection of appropriate items and by making an assessment of the best choice
of words for entry that covers each item. In short, creating an index is both
intellectually demanding and labour intensive.
Table of Cases
Law books should have a table of cases. A table of cases sets out the name of
each case with which the text deals. Generally a table of cases is not divided
by jurisdiction. After stating the name of the case, the table states the page or
pages, or the paragraph or paragraphs, in the text where the case is dealt with.
Because of this, the table of cases is an invaluable aid in finding where a
textbook deals with a case.
Apart from indicating where in the text each case is referred to, a table of
cases performs another useful functions. It tells the reader at a glance what
cases were considered in the text, and by their omission from the table, what
cases were not considered. To the extent that a text fails to consider a relevant
case it may be weakened as an exposition of the subject. A reader may also
want to know this information because the focus of their research is on how
some earlier case has been considered.
It is very useful for a publisher to insert in the table of cases the full citation of
cases, that is to state not only the name of the case, but the citation for each
series of law reports in which the case is reported. This adds value to the table
as a list of cases cited in the text and of cases relevant to the subject of the
text. It is possible that some readers will consult the text just to find the
citation of a case.
Table of Legislation
Law books should have a table of legislation. A table of legislation states each
statute and each piece of delegated legislation with which the text deals. It
arranges this legislation alphabetically according to short
title. Where the text
deals with legislation from more than one jurisdiction the table arranges
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