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Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories: From Lady Chatterley's Lover to Howard Marks
'Throughout a long career, [Jeremy Hutchinson's] brilliant and stylish advocacy achieved success in cases that looked unwinnable' Helena Kennedy
'Jeremy was not just a good lawyer; he was fearless in standing up to judges. He was the most formidable advocate of the 1960s and '70s and he had a marvellous sense of mischief' Geoffrey Robertson
Born in 1915 into the fringes of the Bloomsbury Group, Jeremy Hutchinson went on to become the greatest criminal barrister of the 1960s, '70s and '80s. The cases of that period changed society for ever and Hutchinson's role in them was second to none. In Case Histories, Jeremy Hutchinson's most remarkable trials are examined, each one providing a fascinating look into Britain's post-war social, political and cultural history.
'Jeremy was not just a good lawyer; he was fearless in standing up to judges. He was the most formidable advocate of the 1960s and '70s and he had a marvellous sense of mischief' Geoffrey Robertson
Born in 1915 into the fringes of the Bloomsbury Group, Jeremy Hutchinson went on to become the greatest criminal barrister of the 1960s, '70s and '80s. The cases of that period changed society for ever and Hutchinson's role in them was second to none. In Case Histories, Jeremy Hutchinson's most remarkable trials are examined, each one providing a fascinating look into Britain's post-war social, political and cultural history.
Accessibly and entertainingly written, Case Histories provides a definitive account of Jeremy Hutchinson's life and work. From the sex and spying scandals which contributed to Harold Macmillan's resignation in 1963 and the subsequent fall of the Conservative government, to the fight against literary censorship through his defence of Lady Chatterley's Lover and Fanny Hill, Hutchinson was involved in many of the great trials of the period. He defended George Blake, Christine Keeler, Great Train robber Charlie Wilson, Kempton Bunton (the only man successfully to 'steal' a picture from the National Gallery), art 'faker' Tom Keating, and Howard Marks who, in a sensational defence, was acquitted of charges relating to the largest importation of cannabis in British history. He also prevented the suppression of Bernardo Bertolucci's notorious film Last Tango in Paris and did battle with Mary Whitehouse when she prosecuted the director of the play Romans in Britain.
Above all else, Jeremy Hutchinson's career, both at the bar and later as a member of the House of Lords, has been one devoted to the preservation of individual liberty and to resisting the incursions of an overbearing state. Case Histories provides entertaining, vivid and revealing insights into what was really going on in those celebrated courtroom dramas that defined an age, as well as painting a picture of a remarkable life.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 7, 2016
I'm always a sucker for books where a court case (or cases) are at the centre, possibly a hangover from my rejection of a legal career after obtaining a law degree. This book describes some of the iconic cases of Jeremy Hutchinson, the most celebrated criminal barrister in the UK in the 20th century. Thomas Grant selects from Hutchinson's many famous cases, those that fit into particular categories. As a result, he's doing three things in this book - telling the story of a remarkable career, illustrating what made Hutchinson such an outstanding criminal advocate, and choosing cases that are at the heart of radical social, artistic and political change in Britain in the 160s and 70s.
It's a difficult task because basic transcripts don't do full justice to the performing skills of a barrister like Jeremy Hutchinson. Almost the best bit of the book is Hutchinson's own postscript (he's now 98) in which he forensically tears apart the changes made to the judicial system by recent governments showing exactly how the rule of law and the principle of equality under the law are being hugely undermined.
It's a difficult task because basic transcripts don't do full justice to the performing skills of a barrister like Jeremy Hutchinson. Almost the best bit of the book is Hutchinson's own postscript (he's now 98) in which he forensically tears apart the changes made to the judicial system by recent governments showing exactly how the rule of law and the principle of equality under the law are being hugely undermined.
January 11, 2016
I suppose the first thing to keep in mind is that this book is much more an appreciation of Jeremy Hutchinson QC than an *assessment* of his indubitably fascinating career. Grant (oddly enough, given that he is a successful barrister) holds back on some of the important questions. Particularly with the obscenity cases, the defence strategy seemed to be something akin to browbeating the prosecution into submission (which is not to say that, for example, Lady Chatterley's Lover should have been suppressed. But the legal defence of it could have been stronger than getting a load of posh people to say, "it's art and not porn, if I may say so myself". The test should be of equally valid application if the writer was a run of the mill hack from Grub Street. And I think Grant does see this...)
But I digress a little. The book really suffers most from having a dutiful, diligent but not particularly engaging character to it. Not Grant's fault, entirely. A good editor would have made judicious excisions to produce a shorter, sharper, but just as informative text. But then, also, this book suffers from standing against several superior works covering similar ground - Geoffrey Roberston's memoir of his time at the bar (graciously name checked here), Richard Davenport-Hine's book on the Profumo affair. Other books about the law for the layman, like David Hooper's Reputations Under Fire, give a hint of what this could have been in the right hands. (That said, this book compares strongly against Alan Travis's Bound and Gagged, a turgid survey of several of the obscenity cases that feature here.)
If you are really interested in Hutchinson: Helena Kennedy QC interviewed him for R4 a while ago. Good starting point. If you are interested in the technical arguments of Chatterley, the ABC trial and The Romans in Britain (in particular) then this book is a good place to start. Otherwise, the book doesn't, I feel and I fear, do justice to Hutchinson's advocacy or the social milieu that shaped such fascinating cases like Profumo, the Last Tango Obscenity trial...no. Take that back. One section - Folk Heroes - is both entertaining and intelligent. It might be something to do with the characters Hutchinson defended in this securing - Howard Marks, for instance.
So, all things being said after this rather incoherent ramble: I was, on the whole, disappointed by this book. But that's because I was induced to expect much more than the author was able to deliver. Pity.
But I digress a little. The book really suffers most from having a dutiful, diligent but not particularly engaging character to it. Not Grant's fault, entirely. A good editor would have made judicious excisions to produce a shorter, sharper, but just as informative text. But then, also, this book suffers from standing against several superior works covering similar ground - Geoffrey Roberston's memoir of his time at the bar (graciously name checked here), Richard Davenport-Hine's book on the Profumo affair. Other books about the law for the layman, like David Hooper's Reputations Under Fire, give a hint of what this could have been in the right hands. (That said, this book compares strongly against Alan Travis's Bound and Gagged, a turgid survey of several of the obscenity cases that feature here.)
If you are really interested in Hutchinson: Helena Kennedy QC interviewed him for R4 a while ago. Good starting point. If you are interested in the technical arguments of Chatterley, the ABC trial and The Romans in Britain (in particular) then this book is a good place to start. Otherwise, the book doesn't, I feel and I fear, do justice to Hutchinson's advocacy or the social milieu that shaped such fascinating cases like Profumo, the Last Tango Obscenity trial...no. Take that back. One section - Folk Heroes - is both entertaining and intelligent. It might be something to do with the characters Hutchinson defended in this securing - Howard Marks, for instance.
So, all things being said after this rather incoherent ramble: I was, on the whole, disappointed by this book. But that's because I was induced to expect much more than the author was able to deliver. Pity.
July 18, 2016
The preface to the book sets out, fairly succinctly, why TG came to write it. He had his work cut out persuading Jeremy Hutchinson to agree to it and cooperate in its writing: JH, now in his 102nd year, is more interested in the present and the future than dwelling on the past. He has never felt any inclination to write his autobiography. Three cheers therefore for TG as this is the nearest we'll get to one. The story of this supremely mentally agile human being is well worth telling.
After a very readable biographical 'sketch' (38 pages) the book is divided into 5 parts which cover the period 1960-82.
Part I The Twilight of Conservatism – the last throes of the Tory administration 1961-3 saw the trials of spies George Blake and John Vassall and the Christine Keeler trial.
Part II Is This a Book That You Would Even Wish Your Wife or Your Servant to Read? - censorship trials 1960-71. Lady Chatterley, Fanny Hill, The Mouth.
Part III Eccentrics and Folk Heroes
Theft of Duke of Wellington painting trial, Art Forgery trial (Tom Keating), Howard Marks drugs etc trial.
Part IV The Secret Society
CND trial, political prosecution, electronic surveillance trial. Hard to see the UK as a democratic society when reading these.
Part V Mary Whitehouse v Jeremy Hutchinson
Obscenity trials – Last Tango in Paris, The Romans in Britain.
Postscript by Jeremy Hutchinson.
The book is highly readable and a fascinating reflection on life in the UK through these various trials. It looks in detail at JH's meticulous methods of working and exposes his deep veined humanity.
After a very readable biographical 'sketch' (38 pages) the book is divided into 5 parts which cover the period 1960-82.
Part I The Twilight of Conservatism – the last throes of the Tory administration 1961-3 saw the trials of spies George Blake and John Vassall and the Christine Keeler trial.
Part II Is This a Book That You Would Even Wish Your Wife or Your Servant to Read? - censorship trials 1960-71. Lady Chatterley, Fanny Hill, The Mouth.
Part III Eccentrics and Folk Heroes
Theft of Duke of Wellington painting trial, Art Forgery trial (Tom Keating), Howard Marks drugs etc trial.
Part IV The Secret Society
CND trial, political prosecution, electronic surveillance trial. Hard to see the UK as a democratic society when reading these.
Part V Mary Whitehouse v Jeremy Hutchinson
Obscenity trials – Last Tango in Paris, The Romans in Britain.
Postscript by Jeremy Hutchinson.
The book is highly readable and a fascinating reflection on life in the UK through these various trials. It looks in detail at JH's meticulous methods of working and exposes his deep veined humanity.
August 24, 2015
This is an enthralling book about one of the great criminal barristers of the 1960s and 1970s. He was concerned in some of the iconic cases of those two decades - Christine Keeler, Howard Marks, the Lady Chatterley's Lover obscenity trial, the George Blake Spy case and the prosecution by Mary Whitehouse of the play The Romans in Britain.
The book is well written and accessible to anyone even if they don't have very much legal knowledge. What emerges is a lively portrait of both a man and an era. Hutchinson was throughout his career a staunch upholder of personal liberties and freedoms and this comes over very clearly in the text.
There is a biographical sketch of the man himself at the start of the book and then the chapters about the cases. It is a fascinating read not just for those interested in the law and the workings of it but also for anyone wanting to read about these headline making cases.
The book is well written and accessible to anyone even if they don't have very much legal knowledge. What emerges is a lively portrait of both a man and an era. Hutchinson was throughout his career a staunch upholder of personal liberties and freedoms and this comes over very clearly in the text.
There is a biographical sketch of the man himself at the start of the book and then the chapters about the cases. It is a fascinating read not just for those interested in the law and the workings of it but also for anyone wanting to read about these headline making cases.
September 19, 2017
Okay, it's really a 4 star book. Hutchinson was involved in some of the most interesting cases of the late mid twentieth century and these are skilfully described. Hutchinson is clearly a good man and a very talented lawyer, but, and here is the three-star but, there is never the slightest hint at Hutchinson made a mistake or misjudgement and it is this that sets my cynical teeth on edge.
August 27, 2019
A very interesting, if slightly biased, biography of the eminent criminal barrister Jeremy Hutchinson - as a consequence of the number of high-profile cases he was involved in, it did give an opportunity to touch upon several interesting cases and discuss these in more depth. I didn't know a lot about some of the cases discussed, and about the legal system during the 20th Century, plenty to stimulate further reading there.
Alas though, for all that, it did bother me a little that it felt a bit sycophantic and biased. The author does a good job of praising his subject, but at times each chapter felt like it was 90% background and 10% Hutchinson's legal input. Well chosen to highlight the biographical subject's most important moments, it felt a little less self-aware and balanced than had it been an autobiographical memoir.
Thought-provoking for me too the insights into the nature of the legal system, and the reliance on lawyers putting on a convincing performance to persuade the jury. This made me consider my 'ideal' system - perhaps a more defined and scientific/logical framework with less reliance on how well your lawyer argues it and how bad or good mood the judge is in.
Alas though, for all that, it did bother me a little that it felt a bit sycophantic and biased. The author does a good job of praising his subject, but at times each chapter felt like it was 90% background and 10% Hutchinson's legal input. Well chosen to highlight the biographical subject's most important moments, it felt a little less self-aware and balanced than had it been an autobiographical memoir.
Thought-provoking for me too the insights into the nature of the legal system, and the reliance on lawyers putting on a convincing performance to persuade the jury. This made me consider my 'ideal' system - perhaps a more defined and scientific/logical framework with less reliance on how well your lawyer argues it and how bad or good mood the judge is in.
August 27, 2022
Having already read Thomas Grant's 'Old Bailey' book (written subsequently to this one) and also 'attended' various Zoom lectures given by the author I felt that I 'needed' to read this one.
The edition read is the re-published [2015] version and therefore post-dates Thomas Grant's second book, and I have no way of knowing what amendments were made to the first edition of this one. It is a little less confidently written than the Old Bailey volume, making it slightly tedious in places, but still well worth reading, if only for Hutchinson's own postscript where he makes his view on the more recent changes to the court system and it's knock on effect on the work of advocates and the administration of justice very clear!
Recommended to anyone having an interest in historic criminal cases, social history and the work of all lawyers
The edition read is the re-published [2015] version and therefore post-dates Thomas Grant's second book, and I have no way of knowing what amendments were made to the first edition of this one. It is a little less confidently written than the Old Bailey volume, making it slightly tedious in places, but still well worth reading, if only for Hutchinson's own postscript where he makes his view on the more recent changes to the court system and it's knock on effect on the work of advocates and the administration of justice very clear!
Recommended to anyone having an interest in historic criminal cases, social history and the work of all lawyers
September 16, 2024
Fascinating compendium of leading cases that Jeremy Hutchinson QC was involved with over the years…..including many “cause s celebres”…..official secrets act cases, obscenity trials, scandals that ended up in court.
The thing I found most striking was the way in which so many of these cases were effectively political trials, with a tangible alignment between the judiciary and the executive. Even to the extent that when a jury chose to defy the establishment and, God forbid, made their own independent decision on the evidence and submissions before them, judges became openly irritated.
Some interesting extracts from the verbal exchanges in the trials showing Hutchinson’s deft footwork in undermining witnesses and generally sowing seeds of reasonable doubt to win cases for his clients.
I also found the social setting and context fascinating….some of it was before my time, but much was within my own early childhood….the odd resonance of things I recall from that time.
The thing I found most striking was the way in which so many of these cases were effectively political trials, with a tangible alignment between the judiciary and the executive. Even to the extent that when a jury chose to defy the establishment and, God forbid, made their own independent decision on the evidence and submissions before them, judges became openly irritated.
Some interesting extracts from the verbal exchanges in the trials showing Hutchinson’s deft footwork in undermining witnesses and generally sowing seeds of reasonable doubt to win cases for his clients.
I also found the social setting and context fascinating….some of it was before my time, but much was within my own early childhood….the odd resonance of things I recall from that time.
February 18, 2023
Apparently the lines between law and politics can get pretty blurry.
January 2, 2022
If you ever wished an excellent writer would go into a courtroom, then open this book. I got a bit lost in the public decency trials but would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the law and/or the workings of a courtroom.
March 31, 2016
Like a legal Zelig, whenever there was a landmark case at the Old Bailey in the mid-20th century, Jeremy Hutchinson seems to have been involved. Born into privilege and surrounded by the Bloomsbury group in his childhood, Hutchinson followed his father to the bar where he became a staunch defender of liberalism as much as his clients. He joined the Labour party after witnessing the Jarrow marchers and would end up enobled by Tony Blair.
After his career is briefly stalled by the war, Hutchinson appears for on behalf of George Blake, a double agent for the Soviet Union working for British intelligence. He is involved in the Profumo affair cases and then, perhaps his crowning glory, the successful defence of Penguin after publishing Lady Chatterley’s Lover. He runs rings around the stuffy prosecution QC by virtue of having read the book to the point of a familiarity not matched by his opposite number.
Thomas Grant’s admiration of Hutchinson shines through every chapter to the extent that it appears Hutchinson barely put a foot wrong in more than 30 years of advocacy. But Grant writes with a light touch and a journalist’s eye for where the story is in each case. As such, it is a highly readable account of a still, to many, mysterious profession. The justice system is currently straining under the weight of huge budget cuts, and its independence from government (as Grant hints at) can not always be presumed. The country needs lot more Jeremy Hutchinsons at the bar.
After his career is briefly stalled by the war, Hutchinson appears for on behalf of George Blake, a double agent for the Soviet Union working for British intelligence. He is involved in the Profumo affair cases and then, perhaps his crowning glory, the successful defence of Penguin after publishing Lady Chatterley’s Lover. He runs rings around the stuffy prosecution QC by virtue of having read the book to the point of a familiarity not matched by his opposite number.
Thomas Grant’s admiration of Hutchinson shines through every chapter to the extent that it appears Hutchinson barely put a foot wrong in more than 30 years of advocacy. But Grant writes with a light touch and a journalist’s eye for where the story is in each case. As such, it is a highly readable account of a still, to many, mysterious profession. The justice system is currently straining under the weight of huge budget cuts, and its independence from government (as Grant hints at) can not always be presumed. The country needs lot more Jeremy Hutchinsons at the bar.
October 14, 2021
Brief stories on the more famous trials that Jeremy Hutchinson's played a part in.and the famous and infamous people he came into contact with .the chapter on the stolen portrait of wellington was good and answered a question I've always wondered about in a James bond film
July 21, 2021
A brilliant, fascinating book on both the career of lawyer Jeremy Hutchinson and social/cultural life in the twentieth century. I think this is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read about the law and culture, highly highly recommend!
October 13, 2019
Really great book for people interested in law but who don't have a background in legal studies, but the book is not an objective assessment of Hutchinson's work (but it's nonetheless great)!
August 6, 2025
Best appreciated by a legal professional but I give 4* for thoroughness and well written. I was very intrigued by the several spy/traitor cases handled by Jeremy Hutchinson although I'm not so sympathetic about them as the author and Hutchinson seemed to be. Also the Christine Keeler case was great reading as I'd researched the history of a mirror that came from Theydon Mount house in Essex where she was imprisoned-a remarkable house dating from Elizabeth I era built by the ambassador to France J Smith (later Smythe family) and it became a prisoner of war camp during WWII and housed pregnant women from London and then women's prison. I was disappointed in the case of "Last Tango in Paris" as no one ever mentions how fantastic Maria Schreiber was in the film!! And if she was raped? She certainly had big issues with Bertolucci and mentally suffered after that film. Also the plot itself explored lots of gender issues and was remarkable and people don't go further than it's reputation for obscenity. The main character's issues stem from his wife's infidelity and in the end Maria Schreiber triumphs in her escape and his demise. The drunken ballroom scene is amazing. Best performance Maelon Brandon ever did and certainly cast to suit him. I guess I've diverged, but Hutchinson didn't seem to pick up on anything but obscenity in the defence nor much sympathy for Maria Schreiber or her strength in the performance. After that I'm afraid everything seemed too dry and I would have liked more about Hutchinson and his life and issues at the bar. Thank you though.
May 29, 2017
This is an excellent account of the many cases through the 1960s to the 1980s involving Lord Hutchinson of Lullington the preeminent criminal barrister of that time. He was involved in many of the greatest cases of those times and this account recalls a largely bygone era of masterful courtroom preparation and advocacy. There is a section on Jeremy Hutchinson's biography and a postcript where he warns about the financial cuts to legal aid, the odious trend away from an independent bar and the political decision which saw the abolition of one of the Great Offices of State namely that of Lord Chancellor after 800 years (It is now a subtitle to one of the Ministers of the Government). The accounts of the cases are well written by Thomas Grant QC identifying the key issues instead of being overwhelmed by unnecessary detail. It is a fitting tribute to one of the great characters of English law.
March 10, 2017
Jeremy Hutchinson's career as a criminal barrister spanned the 1950s to the 1980s and he worked on some of the most famous and notorious cases of the last century, including the Lady Chatterley's Lover and Christine Keeler trials. Beginning with a biographical preface, the book is then organised thematically, focusing on high profile cases involving spies, obscenity trials and yhe Official Secrets Act. The drama of the courtroom is brought alive to great effect, so that though the outcome is well-known the prose maintains the high tension of a thriller. Overall, the book is a fascinating overview of mid-twentieth century social and political history seen from an interesting new perspective.
September 3, 2017
Interesting, informative and at times a thrilling court drama of a book. A great look at British legal history through the cases of a rightly celebrated criminal barrister. I loved him, with his left-wing morals, quick thinking and humorous quips that left the prosecution reeling, Jeremy was on the side of the good every time.
This history takes us through some of his best cases, from his defence of literature (Lady Chatterley's Lover and Fanny Hill) and film (Last Tango In Paris), to his defence of cold war spies and anti-nuclear activists, to his defence of loveable rogue and international cannabis dealer Howard Marks. I'm glad this man existed, I think our world may have looked mighty different without him. 4.5 stars.
This history takes us through some of his best cases, from his defence of literature (Lady Chatterley's Lover and Fanny Hill) and film (Last Tango In Paris), to his defence of cold war spies and anti-nuclear activists, to his defence of loveable rogue and international cannabis dealer Howard Marks. I'm glad this man existed, I think our world may have looked mighty different without him. 4.5 stars.
August 10, 2019
Jeremy Hutchinson was the leading criminal defence barrister of his day and this excellent book focuses on some of the key trials in which he appeared. It reads like a history of the most famous cases in postwar British history - Hutchinson appeared in trials featuring spies, sex scandals and censorship. Names like George Blake, Christine Keller, Howard Marks, Tom Keating and Mary Whitehouse are scattered liberally throughout. A man with a strong liberal conscience, Hutchinson's role in changing social attitudes to censorship and press freedom and in breaking down the barriers of deference and government secrecy is a significant one. Case Histories is written by a fellow barrister in an entertaining, lively and highly readable style.
July 27, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable book. It presents a fascinating look behind the scene of the legal system in the UK during the mid 20th century, ending with despair at changes that have arguably destroyed that system.
Much more than that, it presents a different perspective on major events of the period and acts as a brilliant social history.
Much more than that, it presents a different perspective on major events of the period and acts as a brilliant social history.
May 11, 2023
Looking in depth at historical and notable English trails was a privilege within this book by Grant.
Following Hutchinson’s life it is clear he was capable of stepping into the spotlight not long exited by his father.
The rest is history.
Reading the politics active behind some of the cases too inspired my interest in legal justice and what prevents it.
Following Hutchinson’s life it is clear he was capable of stepping into the spotlight not long exited by his father.
The rest is history.
Reading the politics active behind some of the cases too inspired my interest in legal justice and what prevents it.
November 19, 2017
4 / 8 out of 10.
What an enjoyable and insightful read all the more poignant, as I read that Lord Hutchinson passed away several days ago.
Remarkable case stories of landmark court cases in 1960s and 1970s
Recommended.
What an enjoyable and insightful read all the more poignant, as I read that Lord Hutchinson passed away several days ago.
Remarkable case stories of landmark court cases in 1960s and 1970s
Recommended.
March 16, 2018
A fascinating account of some of the most important and notorious trials of the mid- 20th century in Britain, giving insight into a period of political, cultural and sexual turbulence and transition.
April 20, 2019
An entertaining and enlightening look at the landmark legal cases that Jeremy Hutchinson was involved in as a defense barrister. Several of the cases have to do with literary and cinematic obscenity or spying and treason.
January 17, 2020
An excellent read. Unlike, in my opinion, The Secret Barrister, this was often amusing. The postscript, written by Hutchinson, was likewise a lot more persuasive than the whole of the Barrister book on the faults of the British legal system.
February 25, 2020
A great romp through some of the most famous trials of the late 20th century. The last chapter, where Jeremy comments on the present state of the criminal justice system is a must read and a worrying indictment of our collective lack of attention to the erosion of our rights and remedies
April 9, 2018
This was splendid. Bit like getting drunk with Jilly Cooper and a rakish barrister in Bloomsbury.
July 4, 2018
Absolutely fascinating and informative enjoyable read
April 9, 2019
I love legal stories and had high expectations of this book but so disappointing! Such intriguing stories but delivered in such a dry manner!
June 5, 2019
Interesting, solid book about some crucial trials in modern Britain. It was more about the trials rather than Hutchinson but did give a brief biography and then how he figured in these cases.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews