Sam Kates's Blog - Posts Tagged "criminal-justice-system"

The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken by The Secret Barrister

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


At times scary, humorous or shocking, this is an eye-opener for anyone who knows little about the British criminal justice system. Severely underfunded and stretched to breaking point, it’s a wonder the entire system hasn’t yet shuddered to a halt.

For many years I worked in the legal profession in high street practices in South Wales. Although I only ever dipped my toe into the murky waters of criminal litigation, I know enough for the scenarios outlined here—both real and theoretical examples—to strike a stark chord.

Yet a legal background isn’t necessary to enjoy this book. Written anonymously and clearly and compellingly by a practising barrister, it’s a sometimes amusing, often grim outline of the problems besetting the current practice of criminal law in England and Wales.

‘Enjoy’? Yes, in parts. Others will make readers want to gnash their teeth in impotent outrage. A case, I think, of read it and weep.




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