The Dwarf Who Moved and Other Remarkable Tales From a Life in the Law

by Peter Williams, QC.

A memoir in anecdotal form by New Zealand's pre-eminent criminal barrister.

In his time as a criminal defence lawyer in the New Zealand courts, Peter Williams QC has seen it all. From the days when abortion, homosexuality and even telling fortunes could see a person hauled before the courts, to sensational cases of wrongful imprisonment and police corruption, he has witnessed the defining moments in the evolution of our modern judicial and penal systems.

In this rich and wise collection of memoir, anecdote and forensic analysis our pre-eminent courtroom advocate recalls the people (including Ronald Jorgensen, Arthur Allen Thomas, "Mr Asia", James K Baxter, Winston Peters and many more) and the cases (both celebrated and obscure) that have defined his remarkable career, and illuminates the ways in which a legal system mirrors its society, for good and bad. Fearless, astute and compassionate, Peter Williams proves - beyond reasonable doubt - that truth is nearly always stranger than fiction.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Peter Williams was a renowned barrister in New Zealand, who had an amazing career in criminal law. I personally loved this book because his passion for penal reform and compassion in the criminal justice system shone through, which are causes that I also truly care about. He also seems like a caring person who truly loved his work and defending his clients.

Each chapter is devoted to a different case or experience that Peter Williams has had during his colourful career, and some chapters were definitely stronger than others. In addition, there's one chapter about a rape case, where Williams essentially got the case against his client dropped because of mistaken identity (it is implied that his identical brother may be responsible). Williams ends the chapter by saying 'justice was served', yet there's no information about whether the brother was charged and convicted so how is this justice? What about the victim? I also felt uncomfortable at times by the way women were referenced in this book (bimbo was one reference) but I understand this is reflective of the norms he grew up in. However it did affect my enjoyment.

However this book was still a great read which highlights important issues in the criminal justice system.

4*

[Ashleigh Veitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Peter Williams QC what an incredible man, the world needs more people like him. Everyone working in the justice system should read this! It’s a great snapshot of policing, law and corrections history in NZ, many valuable lessons we can learn from to improve today.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book which is Peter Williams swansong shortly before his death in 2015 should be compulsory reading for all law students, criminal lawyers, police and judges to name but a few, and recommended reading for all jurists and just about everyone else.

This is a brilliant summary of just some of the cases and experiences Peter Williams had during his years as a defence lawyer and QC and although replicating some material in his earlier book "A Passion for Jusice" is a disturbing take on elements of our antiquitated NZ justice system.

Lets hope as we move further into the 21st century the police and court practices have improved, but I fear that despite some excellent work and the pressures on both areas that there appears to be little evidence that this is in fact the case.

A few more Peter Wiliams' is what NZ perhaps desperatly needs but unfortutely the likes of Pat Booth, Kevin Ryan and others who shared as similar passion for justice, the days for this - as in many other areas - may be long gone.

I spoke to the author once in his capacity as President of the Howard League - a lovely and genuine man.

RIP Peter Williams.

[Avi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very enjoyable to breeze through the short, sharp chapters centred around tales from the author's career as one of New Zealand's leading criminal lawyers. Free of jargon and excessive focus on the technical aspects of the law, this is a nice, easy-to-read memoir which is highly recommended for all, but particularly non-lawyers.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some very interesting stories from working as a criminal lawyer in New Zealand but I couldn’t get past some of the descriptions of women in the book - stereotyping and the unnecessary commenting on womens looks throughout.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Ruth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely worth a read. Lots of cases that Peter dealt with in the course of his career. A great read

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. What a compassionate man Williams was. It opened my eyes to both the best and worst of our justice system.

[Georgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Kathryn Fathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

heard this on RNZ at 3am. missed lots by going to sleep. But throughly enjoyed the book. well worth reading

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, easy read.

[Arna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read memoir that deals with some of th most notorious criminal cases in NZ history. Those looking for a careful analysis of the legal theory of the case will be disappointed, as will those who had hoped to see progress in the criminal justice system. Regrettably, the Courts in NZ, and elsewhere I suspect, are still the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff for the mentally ill, the impoverished and the dispossessed.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Williams brings us an interesting (and entertaining) collection of anecdotes from his career as a criminal defence lawyer. He has been involved with some well-known and controversial trials over the years including the Bassett Road machine-gun murders, the Arthur Allan Thomas appeal and Royal Commission, and, the ’Mr Asia’ case – just to name a few. A great read.

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read by a true champion of so many who couldn't fend for themselves; and a few scoundrels along the way.

[Peter Mellalieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not believe how many famous NZ cases were touched by Williams. I am also impressed greatly by his humanity and are for the down and out.