What do you think?
Rate this book
Law in a Time of Crisis
Brexit, the possible break-up of the UK, pandemics, this is a country in crisis. In crises the law sets the boundaries of what the government can and should do. But in a country without a written constitution such as the UK, the precise limits between legal obligation and convention can be hazy. Conventions, such as the Prime Minister being an MP, can not be enforced in the same way as laws.
What are the limits of law in politics? What is the relationship between law and the constitution? Is not having a constitution a hindrance or a help in time of crisis? Former supreme court judge Jonathan Sumption wrestles with past, current and potential crises that this increasingly divided country faces. From the role of the Supreme Court to the uses of referenda to the rise of nationalisms within the United Kingdom, Sumption exposes the subtleties, uses, and abuses of legal and judicial interventions. With razor sharp intelligence and far-reaching analysis he counsels caution both in our impulse to radically upend the system and to challenge results that we may not be what we want.
What are the limits of law in politics? What is the relationship between law and the constitution? Is not having a constitution a hindrance or a help in time of crisis? Former supreme court judge Jonathan Sumption wrestles with past, current and potential crises that this increasingly divided country faces. From the role of the Supreme Court to the uses of referenda to the rise of nationalisms within the United Kingdom, Sumption exposes the subtleties, uses, and abuses of legal and judicial interventions. With razor sharp intelligence and far-reaching analysis he counsels caution both in our impulse to radically upend the system and to challenge results that we may not be what we want.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2021
52 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Sumption
31 books116 followersThe son of a barrister, Jonathan Philip Chadwick Sumption attended Eton then Magdalen College, Oxford, where he graduated with first-class honours in history in 1970. After being called to the bar at Inner Temple in 1975, he became a Queen's Council in 1986 and a Bencher in 1991. He is joint head of Brick Court Chambers and was appointed to the UK Supreme Court in 2011. He has written numerous books on history and is a governor of the Royal Academy of Music.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 13, 2021
This was a great collection of essays which focused on English legal history as well as current affairs and their effect on the law and vice versa. I particularly enjoyed the essays surrounding the English constitution (or lack thereof) and the essay which discussed the legal effects of covid.
Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the law.
Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the law.
June 17, 2022
A very interesting read, although the title I would say was a bit misleading. Only the last third of the book covers the topics related to the constitutional questions I was most looking forward to reading. But nevertheless, the discussions in the other chapters provided a fascinating look into topic which only a very experienced professional could shed light on.
In addition, there were some views expressed with which I strongly disagree. For example, I cannot agree with the suggestion that in the eventuality that Scotland votes to leave the UK, the Westminster Parliament could reject the result as those would not be in the long term interest of the Scots nor the rest of the UK. Neither do I agree with the statement that "history will look back on the measures taken to contain [the COVID-19 pandemic] as a monument of collective histeria and government folly."
In addition, there were some views expressed with which I strongly disagree. For example, I cannot agree with the suggestion that in the eventuality that Scotland votes to leave the UK, the Westminster Parliament could reject the result as those would not be in the long term interest of the Scots nor the rest of the UK. Neither do I agree with the statement that "history will look back on the measures taken to contain [the COVID-19 pandemic] as a monument of collective histeria and government folly."
July 24, 2023
A fairly interesting read, although the title is very misleading. It is essentially a collection of essays on a range of topics based on lectures that the author has given in the past. The last third of the book is the only part that deals with “law in a time of crisis” as it goes into depth about the constitutional impact of brexit and covid.
It is a good general read about contemporary matters but I must say it is more a political book than a legal one. Nonetheless, quite interesting.
It is a good general read about contemporary matters but I must say it is more a political book than a legal one. Nonetheless, quite interesting.
January 7, 2023
Fascinating. It is interesting and rewarding to see political issues analysed by a keen legal mind, especially so when the issues in question are of great political interest such as Brexit, Scottish nationalism, and a British constitution. But it is also interesting when the issues are of less political prominence, such as apologising for history, personal injuries law, and judicial diversity.
The essay "Brexit: a Primer for Foreigners" is especially good, setting the referendum in a historical context of Britain's relations with Europe. Sumption accurately identifies the democratic deficit at the heart of the European Union. Notwithstanding, his own views are well summed up in this paragraph;
"I profoundly disagree with the decision of my fellow countrymen to leave the European Union. But I can understand and even empathise with their reasons. I myself feel the attractions of autonomy and national sovereignty. I too am influenced by the radical differences between our history and political culture and those of the rest of Europe. I was a remainer because I believed, and still believe, that Britain will be dominated by the European Union whether we belong to it or not. We are geographically a part of Europe. Our social values are European. Europe is our largest market. If we are going to be dominated by the European Union anyway, we might as well have a voice in its decisions. There are, moreover, many challenges such as climate change or the regulation of monopolies that can only be handled at an international level. Autonomy is emotionally attractive, but there is not much you can do with it in an interdependent world in which power comes from membership of large economic and political blocs. Far from taking back control, I believe that leaving the European Union will reduce our control over our own lives and fortunes. I also think that it is fundamentally wrong for the older generation to shut the door on a project that most younger people, who will have to live with the consequences for longer, want to belong to."
Well said!
The essay "Brexit: a Primer for Foreigners" is especially good, setting the referendum in a historical context of Britain's relations with Europe. Sumption accurately identifies the democratic deficit at the heart of the European Union. Notwithstanding, his own views are well summed up in this paragraph;
"I profoundly disagree with the decision of my fellow countrymen to leave the European Union. But I can understand and even empathise with their reasons. I myself feel the attractions of autonomy and national sovereignty. I too am influenced by the radical differences between our history and political culture and those of the rest of Europe. I was a remainer because I believed, and still believe, that Britain will be dominated by the European Union whether we belong to it or not. We are geographically a part of Europe. Our social values are European. Europe is our largest market. If we are going to be dominated by the European Union anyway, we might as well have a voice in its decisions. There are, moreover, many challenges such as climate change or the regulation of monopolies that can only be handled at an international level. Autonomy is emotionally attractive, but there is not much you can do with it in an interdependent world in which power comes from membership of large economic and political blocs. Far from taking back control, I believe that leaving the European Union will reduce our control over our own lives and fortunes. I also think that it is fundamentally wrong for the older generation to shut the door on a project that most younger people, who will have to live with the consequences for longer, want to belong to."
Well said!
July 5, 2025
very nice!!! insightful, well-argued, balanced, intelligent, careful and eloquent
my favourite was Home Truths about Judicial Diversity – I initially felt apprehensive about where his judgement was going as it seemed dismissive about the question of representation but I could not have been more falsely misled by my instincts, it's important in this book, even when you instinctively feel yourself to disagree with Lord Sumption's opinion, to read them to fruition
he is not afraid to explore a possibly controversial opinion but he always does so with respect and rationality
taught me a lot about open-mindedness, argumentation, and the law of course (even though it was much more focused on historical thinking than I'd first imagined, but I'm also a history student so of course I did enjoy that)
what's holding me back from the big five stars:
the magna carta section felt a lot more like information dumping than analysis but as he himself said it is nearly impossible to say anything insightful about the magna carta
i have the same issue with the state secrets section, also just not really my area of interest
the brexit section, I did not entirely agree with his sentiment that the British knew what they were signing up for, I think it would have benefitted a lot from more modern context post-2022: especially in the case of the race riots of 2024 and how that would influence his argument that the British really "aren't that racist" basically
my favourite was Home Truths about Judicial Diversity – I initially felt apprehensive about where his judgement was going as it seemed dismissive about the question of representation but I could not have been more falsely misled by my instincts, it's important in this book, even when you instinctively feel yourself to disagree with Lord Sumption's opinion, to read them to fruition
he is not afraid to explore a possibly controversial opinion but he always does so with respect and rationality
taught me a lot about open-mindedness, argumentation, and the law of course (even though it was much more focused on historical thinking than I'd first imagined, but I'm also a history student so of course I did enjoy that)
what's holding me back from the big five stars:
the magna carta section felt a lot more like information dumping than analysis but as he himself said it is nearly impossible to say anything insightful about the magna carta
i have the same issue with the state secrets section, also just not really my area of interest
the brexit section, I did not entirely agree with his sentiment that the British knew what they were signing up for, I think it would have benefitted a lot from more modern context post-2022: especially in the case of the race riots of 2024 and how that would influence his argument that the British really "aren't that racist" basically
April 26, 2022
A very interesting read, although the title is very misleading. Only the last part of the book covers the questions related to the British constitution and uncertain times, such as Brexit and coronavirus. The rest of this book covers Sumption's thoughts on a variety of topics like history and the law, judicial diversity, personal injury, contracts. I didn't really care about this - I thought I was getting a book which only covered what the title and blurb suggested.
I disagreed with a lot of the views expressed, but I thought the author gave a balanced argument in most cases. I felt like he he glossed over some key issues, like on the Brexit vote;
"The British knew what they were doing [when they] voted to leave the European Union. They are not living in a make believe world like those who voted for Trump in the United States"
I question a lot of the statements in this book but I think that's the point - the point isn't to agree with the author, but to start a discussion, which I think the author does well. Overall, a good read for those interested in British current affairs, history, law, or politics.
I disagreed with a lot of the views expressed, but I thought the author gave a balanced argument in most cases. I felt like he he glossed over some key issues, like on the Brexit vote;
"The British knew what they were doing [when they] voted to leave the European Union. They are not living in a make believe world like those who voted for Trump in the United States"
I question a lot of the statements in this book but I think that's the point - the point isn't to agree with the author, but to start a discussion, which I think the author does well. Overall, a good read for those interested in British current affairs, history, law, or politics.
March 25, 2021
This book isn’t the type I’d usually read but was recommended by a friend, who now claims otherwise! The contents cover a wide range of topics, all hung on a law based framework, but don’t let that put you off. Each essay is well reasoned, relevant and thought provoking.
Above all that there is the first intelligent commentary I have seen on Brexit from a Remainer - and as an aside Robert Tombs holds this title for Leavers. The commentary is quite simply outstanding. I happen to think that it is objective, and more importantly incisive in its analysis of the likely causes and consequences. For this reason alone I’d urge people to read this book, and then hopefully reflect on its content.
The five stars here are for substance, not style.
Above all that there is the first intelligent commentary I have seen on Brexit from a Remainer - and as an aside Robert Tombs holds this title for Leavers. The commentary is quite simply outstanding. I happen to think that it is objective, and more importantly incisive in its analysis of the likely causes and consequences. For this reason alone I’d urge people to read this book, and then hopefully reflect on its content.
The five stars here are for substance, not style.
February 4, 2023
This book is very well written, and not too difficult to follow for a non-lawyer, as is the way of Lord Sumption. It is a collection of articulate and thoughtful lectures about the complexities of the British legal and parliamentary system. The last chapter is particularly insightful and poignant, as Sumption highlights the grotesque and largely unlawful intrusion of the British state into the lives of private individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. One will always come away from Suption's work wiser and more worldly.
July 30, 2025
Has anyone on the left offered a critique of the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ as hard hitting and as eloquently expressed as Sumption’s? No. To its everlasting shame, nearly all the left, the ‘lockdown left,’ supported the decrees of the Boris Johnson government and even called for more punishment of the population, especially for children and young people.
I first heard of Lord Sumption when he criticised the ‘lockdown.’ I enjoyed the final chapter most of all but also found his essays on Magna Carta, the history of the UK and Brexit really clear and helpful.
I first heard of Lord Sumption when he criticised the ‘lockdown.’ I enjoyed the final chapter most of all but also found his essays on Magna Carta, the history of the UK and Brexit really clear and helpful.
August 30, 2022
Always worth reading Sumption. You may not always agree with him but he reminds you that there is a way of disagreeing without falling out. He knows how to set out an argument that is by its very nature inviting a counter argument. Mind you, the counter argument better be a strong one or you’re going to come second.*
And, obviously, he knows his law.
* By the way, coming second, contrary to the perceived wisdom of supposed role models, is no bad thing to achieve.
And, obviously, he knows his law.
* By the way, coming second, contrary to the perceived wisdom of supposed role models, is no bad thing to achieve.
September 19, 2025
I picked this book up with the understanding it would explain how the law can be used and changed in times of crisis; war, COVID, national upheaval, etc. One of the last chapters does focus on this (COVID), but the majority of the book concentrates on the application of law in contracts, liability and other areas. A great book which has furthered my understanding of the British law system, but the title is misleading.
May 6, 2022
A disappointing book that reeks of societal ignorance and sheer white privileged. The start of the book literally argues it is not obvious what the consequences of the trans Atlantic slave trade are. Any academic merit the author claims is completely under minded by his apparent lack of institutional or societal legacies.
October 28, 2021
Název souboru esejí je trochu zavádějící, neboť pouze část z nich se týká "práva v krizi". Ničemu to ovšem nevadí, protože všechny shromážděné texty, dříve pronesené na různých fórech, jsou čtivé, poutavé a Sumption je ke dni vydání aktualizoval tak, aby reflektovaly (nejen) čas pandemie.
September 21, 2024
Väldigt intressant, förklarar allt med historia, tar upp gamla exempel för att visa och föreslår även problem som han tror kommer att uppstå, väldigt intressant kring sista delen om Covid och hur staten tog åtgärder utan bas i lag
July 15, 2021
All the essays included in this short collected are exceedingly well-written. However, their lack of thematic unity means they don't really cohere as one book.
February 16, 2023
Read as a sequel to Trials of the State and during the first semester in France, in 2022. Once again, thoroughly enjoyed Lord Sumption's work and reading about his different legal insights.
dnfd
June 3, 2023DNFD, it's okay for somebody out there but I wasn't gaining anything from it
August 9, 2023
Very interesting and insightful book into many areas of legal history and practice. However can be a hard read in places. Overall really enjoyed it though!
December 17, 2025
3.5* rounded up. Some very interesting essays showcasing the fragility and weaknesses of the English constitution.
January 29, 2026
Ultimately, one’s attitude to political myths of this kind depends on where one situates one’s golden age. Those who created the myths that surround Magna Carta located their golden age in the past. Their ideal was the recapture of an imagined paradise lost.
Because Law in a Time of Crisis is a collection of essays, it is hard to describe its central core. Obviously, “Law” comes to mind, but it includes Law’s interactions with History (including secrecy), Law’s interactions with Politics, Law's interactions with Social Policy, and so on. It is genuinely interesting to see arguments advanced for a no-fault compensation scheme for injury as exists in New Zealand. I also feel enlightened by the arguments made by a Remainer as to why people voted for Brexit (mainly around the lack of a European identity). I just cannot sum up Sumption's essays, i.e. is he [insert one of a million labels such as rationalist/originalist/Ricardian/Humian etc etc]. Labels probably are unhelpful for such a wide range of topics in any case, but I do feel a bit flat I cannot extract a core set of values from the essays – more a criticism of myself than Sumption.
Because the essays are short they serve as a good introduction to Sumption’s writing style if you want to try his Hundred Years War quintet, as I keep promising myself I will complete. I do not necessarily agree with all his arguments (e.g. the point and value of apologies), and I am sure there are plenty that disagree with his view of Corbyn, but the essays serve as a chance to see steel man versions of arguments that run counter to my own. The essay format does allow Sumption to avoid doing proper citations, so don’t repeat what he says as the inarguable truth. You should have a think about them, though.
Because Law in a Time of Crisis is a collection of essays, it is hard to describe its central core. Obviously, “Law” comes to mind, but it includes Law’s interactions with History (including secrecy), Law’s interactions with Politics, Law's interactions with Social Policy, and so on. It is genuinely interesting to see arguments advanced for a no-fault compensation scheme for injury as exists in New Zealand. I also feel enlightened by the arguments made by a Remainer as to why people voted for Brexit (mainly around the lack of a European identity). I just cannot sum up Sumption's essays, i.e. is he [insert one of a million labels such as rationalist/originalist/Ricardian/Humian etc etc]. Labels probably are unhelpful for such a wide range of topics in any case, but I do feel a bit flat I cannot extract a core set of values from the essays – more a criticism of myself than Sumption.
Because the essays are short they serve as a good introduction to Sumption’s writing style if you want to try his Hundred Years War quintet, as I keep promising myself I will complete. I do not necessarily agree with all his arguments (e.g. the point and value of apologies), and I am sure there are plenty that disagree with his view of Corbyn, but the essays serve as a chance to see steel man versions of arguments that run counter to my own. The essay format does allow Sumption to avoid doing proper citations, so don’t repeat what he says as the inarguable truth. You should have a think about them, though.
January 3, 2024
“Fear persuaded people to accept the surrender of their liberty. Historically, fear has always been the most potent instrument of the authoritarian state”
“The government has discovered the power of public fear to let it get its way”
“The British public has not even begun to understand the seriousness of what is happened if to our country”
“The government has discovered the power of public fear to let it get its way”
“The British public has not even begun to understand the seriousness of what is happened if to our country”
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews