The author of "An introduction to the Laws of the Duchy of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and Devon" is a lawyer, not a historian, although he has a passion for history. As a lawyer he takes a special interest in those laws which are particular to Cornwall and, to a lesser extent, to the Isles of Scilly and to Devon and are still capable of application in the twenty-first century. It is noteworthy that certain ancient laws and customs, in particular Stannary Law, although not as relevant today as once they were, are still part of the law of England and Wales. They continue to give rights which are capable of being exercised. This is not meant to be legal textbook; that would be very dull. It is instead intended to initiate the reader to a fascinating topic. In particular there has been a growth in the number of people interested in studying the history and culture of Cornwall. This work is intended to cast additional light on an aspect of the legal history of Cornwall. It is hoped that it will encourage the reader to research still further; to that extent a lengthy list of additional reading is also provided. John Kirkhope has been awarded degrees and post-gradu­ate qualifications from the Open University, Nottingham Trent University, Bristol University, and Cambridge. He was recently awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy from Plymouth University; his thesis was an examination of the Duchy of Cornwall and is entitled The Duchy of Cornwall-A Feudal Remnant. Professionally John qualified as a solicitor and a Notary Public.