The Power of Judges

by David Neuberger

To the vast majority of the English public, the role of the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court has often been distant and incomprehensible, its judges a caste apart from society. The Power of Judges ends this mystery, exploring the fundamental concept of justice and explaining the main functions of the courts, the challenges they face, and the complexity of the judicial system.

In this lucid account of the judiciary, David Neuberger and Peter Riddell lead us through an array of topics both philosophical and logistical, including the relationships between morality and law and between Parliament and the judiciary. They explain the effects of cuts in legal aid and shed light on complex and controversial subjects like assisted dying and the complexities of combating mass terrorism while protecting personal liberty. Given that many of these issues span national borders, the book also compares the United Kingdom’s legal system with its counterparts in the United States and Germany.

Full of insights, The Power of Judges is an informative and accessible account of the United Kingdom’s judicial system, its contribution to running the country, and the challenges it faces—including the many threats to its effectiveness.

Genres: Law

90 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2019

Reviews

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The book contains only a few ideas, all of which are common sense. While the introduction provides a summary, these ideas are reiterated multiple times in the dialogue. The concept of the 'power of the judges' is explored in two pages, leading to the conclusion that judges possess no inherent power; rather, they neutrally interpret the law. The text includes overt leftist viewpoints, advocating for racial diversity among judges, even if nonwhite candidates may not be as competent as their white counterparts."

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a pamphlet than a book. A gentle conversation between Peter Riddell and Lord Neuberger designed to guide us through the purpose and workings of the legal system. They do it very well. Thanks to being able to attract people of the calibre of Neuberger we have a judiciary to be proud of. We need to ensure we keep it that way.

[Enya Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and interesting however would have appreciated more depth in terms of the actual power of judges and their growing involvement in judicial review and the potential implications of this, although I do understand it was just a conversation and not a full in-depth book.