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The Prosecutor
Nazir Afzal knows a thing or two about justice. As a Chief Prosecutor, it was his job to make sure the most complex, violent and harrowing crimes made it to court, and that their perpetrators were convicted. From the Rochdale sex ring to the earliest prosecutions for honour killing and modern slavery, Nazir was at the forefront of the British legal system for decades.
But his story begins in Birmingham, in the sixties, as a young boy facing racist violence and the tragic death of a young family member – and it’s this that sets him on the path to his groundbreaking career, and which enables him to help communities that the conventional justice system ignores, giving a voice to the voiceless.
But his story begins in Birmingham, in the sixties, as a young boy facing racist violence and the tragic death of a young family member – and it’s this that sets him on the path to his groundbreaking career, and which enables him to help communities that the conventional justice system ignores, giving a voice to the voiceless.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 20, 2020
This is an incredible memoir from Nazir Afzal, an outstanding CPS chief prosecutor, central to driving the heart of the pioneering evolution of law and justice in Britain, particularly in protecting communities, and the vulnerable, developing cutting edge practices to ensure there was some measure of justice when it came to domestic violence, forced marriages, the horror of so called 'honour' killings, modern slavery and trafficking. It is usually defence lawyers who are celebrated in our society, but Afzal is the perfect case study of the prosecutor as hero, groundbreaking as he goes out of his way to engage with victims of the most harrowing of crimes, neglected and abandoned communities, the police and other relevant agencies in the pursuit of effective change in a archaic, largely privileged and white profession, not noted for its ability to adapt or change, its diversity or in its promotion of inclusivity when it comes to making sure that justice reaches all corners of society.
Afzal is the son of Pakistani Muslim parents that were remarkable community and civic minded role models to a boy who faced relentless racist abuse and assaults growing up in Birmingham at a time when getting justice from the police was a joke. This background drove his interest in the law, moving from being a defence lawyer to becoming prosecutor in London with the establishment of the CPS in 1986, a dysfunctional fledgling organisation that took a little while to find its feet, operating on a shoestring, and insufficient number of lawyers, a chaotic, messy madhouse in the court system in the 1990s, but Afzal loved it, he was excited and in his element. His successes were noted but he was feeling hemmed in, which led him to becoming the Chief Prosecutor for North West England, a position and place that proves to be substantially more amenable when it comes to lateral thinking and radical change than London could ever have been, blessed as he was with a fantastic can-do team and a terrific partner in the Manchester Chief Constable.
Afzal was involved in some of the most high profile legal cases in England, including the Rochdale grooming gang scandal, where he shows real courage in acknowledging the CPS had been wrong in not prosecuting the men earlier, taking responsibility for decisions made by others. It is distressing to hear how deep budget cuts to the service ensures that it becomes well nigh impossible to do his job in an environment where justice as a concept for all was disappearing, unless you happen to be wealthy and privileged. This leads him to quit in 2015, an incalculable loss to the CPS, an extraordinary man, instrumental in shaping the law to meet the grim realities to be found in the darkest corners of modern Britain.
So much of this memoir is heartbreaking, such as with the revelations of misogyny, abuse, coercive and controlling attitudes from men, families, a culture and communities, directed towards women and young girls, the gender terrorism and murder, is pure horror. Afzal's response is so compassionate, so human, so understanding, with his rock solid determination to find new, original ways to ensure the most vulnerable and powerless gain access to some form of justice despite the obstacles that stand in his way. One of the most amazing memoirs I have ever read, and should be turned into a film or TV series. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Random House Ebury for an ARC.
Afzal is the son of Pakistani Muslim parents that were remarkable community and civic minded role models to a boy who faced relentless racist abuse and assaults growing up in Birmingham at a time when getting justice from the police was a joke. This background drove his interest in the law, moving from being a defence lawyer to becoming prosecutor in London with the establishment of the CPS in 1986, a dysfunctional fledgling organisation that took a little while to find its feet, operating on a shoestring, and insufficient number of lawyers, a chaotic, messy madhouse in the court system in the 1990s, but Afzal loved it, he was excited and in his element. His successes were noted but he was feeling hemmed in, which led him to becoming the Chief Prosecutor for North West England, a position and place that proves to be substantially more amenable when it comes to lateral thinking and radical change than London could ever have been, blessed as he was with a fantastic can-do team and a terrific partner in the Manchester Chief Constable.
Afzal was involved in some of the most high profile legal cases in England, including the Rochdale grooming gang scandal, where he shows real courage in acknowledging the CPS had been wrong in not prosecuting the men earlier, taking responsibility for decisions made by others. It is distressing to hear how deep budget cuts to the service ensures that it becomes well nigh impossible to do his job in an environment where justice as a concept for all was disappearing, unless you happen to be wealthy and privileged. This leads him to quit in 2015, an incalculable loss to the CPS, an extraordinary man, instrumental in shaping the law to meet the grim realities to be found in the darkest corners of modern Britain.
So much of this memoir is heartbreaking, such as with the revelations of misogyny, abuse, coercive and controlling attitudes from men, families, a culture and communities, directed towards women and young girls, the gender terrorism and murder, is pure horror. Afzal's response is so compassionate, so human, so understanding, with his rock solid determination to find new, original ways to ensure the most vulnerable and powerless gain access to some form of justice despite the obstacles that stand in his way. One of the most amazing memoirs I have ever read, and should be turned into a film or TV series. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Random House Ebury for an ARC.
June 6, 2020
Afzal manages to make this immensely readable without ever either sensationalising the cases he works on or making it all about himself. He tells his story - the son of 1960s Pakistani immigrants who went on to become one of the top prosecutors in the CPS - with enormous humility and gravitas, paying tribute to his colleagues (one of his bosses for a time was Keir Starmer) across the justice system, community leaders and the brave victims who spoke out, sometimes at enormous cost to themselves.
There are some harrowing stories told here (the 'honour killings' where women know they will be murdered by their own fathers are especially difficult to read), but they are balanced by Afzal's relentless and determined work to effect change despite being put on an al Qaeda death list at one point *and* feeling a constant outsider to the British establishment, even being exploited as the only brown face in the room to provide a photo op for David Cameron.
For all his successes in prosecuting child sex abuse, organised gangs of grooming rapists, slave traffickers and others, it's dispiriting to see that Afzal ends his career feeling disheartened by our present: Tory/coalition 'austerity' cuts have undone much of the good work achieved over the previous twenty-five years, and the brief pointing finger at Boris Johnson's leadership that Afzal allows himself highlight's BJ's pride in surrounding himself with people who will bow to, rather than challenge, the status quo, and stifle the kind of innovative thinking that Afzal personified and respects.
Still, a fascinating story about a man who has quietly but persistently been fighting for legal justice, social justice and cultural change.
There are some harrowing stories told here (the 'honour killings' where women know they will be murdered by their own fathers are especially difficult to read), but they are balanced by Afzal's relentless and determined work to effect change despite being put on an al Qaeda death list at one point *and* feeling a constant outsider to the British establishment, even being exploited as the only brown face in the room to provide a photo op for David Cameron.
For all his successes in prosecuting child sex abuse, organised gangs of grooming rapists, slave traffickers and others, it's dispiriting to see that Afzal ends his career feeling disheartened by our present: Tory/coalition 'austerity' cuts have undone much of the good work achieved over the previous twenty-five years, and the brief pointing finger at Boris Johnson's leadership that Afzal allows himself highlight's BJ's pride in surrounding himself with people who will bow to, rather than challenge, the status quo, and stifle the kind of innovative thinking that Afzal personified and respects.
Still, a fascinating story about a man who has quietly but persistently been fighting for legal justice, social justice and cultural change.
May 24, 2020
Nazir Afsal is the kind of person you want in your corner: clever, compassionate, dedicated to justice. In telling the story of his life and career in the CPS, he shows the power in challenging the status quo to bring justice to those denied it and how people can work together to make things better. Again and again, he chooses the path of communication and connection, talking to marginalised groups, victims, police, and the public about what they believe justice to be, seeing in this the way to take the law forward. It's an inspiring story, engagingly told, while still deeply illustrative of the threats to justice created by the budget-cut led destruction of the system. A necessary read.
ARC via Netgalley
ARC via Netgalley
July 1, 2021
There is no doubt that Nazir Afzal has made an immense contribution to the British legal system insuring that people involved in the Rochdale sex ring, honor killings, and slavery were brought to justice. This book is recommended. Having said that, it is one thing to read someone writing about an invaluable and significant contribution someone else made, and another thing to read the person himself writing about the invaluable and significant contribution he himself made. Without lessening the achievement, I did find myself a little irritated by the constant ‘I’— I set the agenda; I explained; I told him; I started. ‘We’ is relegated to a much lesser role in the developments. I guess I’m a little sensitive to that and it shouldn’t stop you from reading it.
January 22, 2021
This is and interesting quick read that is certainly a little different to the books I have read recently.
Nazir Afzal was a Chief Prosecutor and supplies interesting back stories to some of his experiences over his career. Nazir Afzal was at the forefront of the British legal system and gives some very interesting insight into the legal system and some of the cases. Afzal was raised in Birmingham in the sixties and faced racist violence which gave him a grounding in what was to come in a celebrated legal career.
It was an interesting read but lacked the real depth of detail which would have made this book far more interesting and insightful.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin Random House for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nazir Afzal was a Chief Prosecutor and supplies interesting back stories to some of his experiences over his career. Nazir Afzal was at the forefront of the British legal system and gives some very interesting insight into the legal system and some of the cases. Afzal was raised in Birmingham in the sixties and faced racist violence which gave him a grounding in what was to come in a celebrated legal career.
It was an interesting read but lacked the real depth of detail which would have made this book far more interesting and insightful.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin Random House for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
How does one review someone elses bravery?
November 6, 2020
Wow what a book. Nazir has prosecuted some high profile cases, tried to change how we prosecute cases as well as keep himself true to his own values. This is a motivational although saddening read of the CPS.
February 3, 2021
I'm not a true crime person, there is something about the mix of forensic prurient details and reminder of real world evil that has never appealed to me. And I suppose I was a little naive to approach The Prosecutor thinking it would largely be a procedural nuts and bolts discussion of the role of the senior decision makers in the Crown Prosecution Service. It is that, and it is a personal memoir, but there are also nuggets of true crime here, and true crime of the most unpleasant form - from modern slavery to gang grooming. And whilst Nazir Afzal is far from glorifying it, it is true crime nonetheless.
Its an odd book, as it limps between celeb style memoir (nuggets of a mixed childhood, glossed over first marriage), and broader philosophical views of the British (English) Criminal justice System. I learnt a lot about the short history of the CPS, I hadn't realised it was only thirty five years old and was largely brought in to tackle the miscarriages of justice which had come about when the police also prosecuted their own crimes. This explains some of its broader failings, that the police and CPS have different sets of priorities and often work antagonistically with each other (not least in the beginning). I knew the CPS had a test about public interest, and also about how likely conviction was, but not how much that is squeezed in a budgetary way. Having been a witness in a CPS case I certainly saw the waste involved and how the system as it was ten years ago was not serving victims or the accused well, I know it is even worse now. Near the end Afzal engages with what he feels are problems in the system, but I would have liked a lot more of that.
Instead there is a strange tension in the book between a memoir that identifies Britain as a hugely racist country, and a selection of true crime anecdotes that seem to be fuel to that fire. He engages with the BNP at one point to identify that they indeed have little interest in justice, rather in stirring up hatred, but whilst there is an aspect of the story where Iqbal as a member of the British Pakistani community has been able to press for convictions around crime involving those communities it feels like a flaw to have so many cases from them. I get the passion for the subjects, and there is a solid bit of convincing work to stress that in prioritising what Iqbal calls Gender Terrorism you tend to find a way into closing other crimes too - those involved in organised crimes and terrorism usually abuse partners too. But there is a long standing recognition how poor the police are are supporting victims of gender violence, it is a pity that there is no engagement here with the parlous state of rape convictions, police race relations and ways to solve it. I guess he is out, and that's fair, but if he was willing to learn from mistakes in his career, it would be good to see him continue that conversation, not least because its only in the more philosophical slivers of the book when I get the sense of the real person, rather than someone being ghostwritten into a number of other genres (poverty memoir and true crime).
Its an odd book, as it limps between celeb style memoir (nuggets of a mixed childhood, glossed over first marriage), and broader philosophical views of the British (English) Criminal justice System. I learnt a lot about the short history of the CPS, I hadn't realised it was only thirty five years old and was largely brought in to tackle the miscarriages of justice which had come about when the police also prosecuted their own crimes. This explains some of its broader failings, that the police and CPS have different sets of priorities and often work antagonistically with each other (not least in the beginning). I knew the CPS had a test about public interest, and also about how likely conviction was, but not how much that is squeezed in a budgetary way. Having been a witness in a CPS case I certainly saw the waste involved and how the system as it was ten years ago was not serving victims or the accused well, I know it is even worse now. Near the end Afzal engages with what he feels are problems in the system, but I would have liked a lot more of that.
Instead there is a strange tension in the book between a memoir that identifies Britain as a hugely racist country, and a selection of true crime anecdotes that seem to be fuel to that fire. He engages with the BNP at one point to identify that they indeed have little interest in justice, rather in stirring up hatred, but whilst there is an aspect of the story where Iqbal as a member of the British Pakistani community has been able to press for convictions around crime involving those communities it feels like a flaw to have so many cases from them. I get the passion for the subjects, and there is a solid bit of convincing work to stress that in prioritising what Iqbal calls Gender Terrorism you tend to find a way into closing other crimes too - those involved in organised crimes and terrorism usually abuse partners too. But there is a long standing recognition how poor the police are are supporting victims of gender violence, it is a pity that there is no engagement here with the parlous state of rape convictions, police race relations and ways to solve it. I guess he is out, and that's fair, but if he was willing to learn from mistakes in his career, it would be good to see him continue that conversation, not least because its only in the more philosophical slivers of the book when I get the sense of the real person, rather than someone being ghostwritten into a number of other genres (poverty memoir and true crime).
August 6, 2020
Definitely very readable - Afzal is chief prosecutor in the UK and details some of his life and his cases. However I wasn't sure how much to believe what he said - everything he did was framed as fantastic, and there's not much room for self-reflection. I was quite shocked when he boasted about the very long sentenced he imposed on people involved in the protests after Mark Duggan was shot (18 months for someone taking an ice cream from a Patisserie Valerie that was "being looted"?)
May 1, 2020
Azir Nafzal was the chief prosecutor in northwest England for the Crown Prosecution Service. The book is the story of how he came to that position. It is a testament to his commitment to truth and justice.
It really is worth reading wherever you are in the world. Several of his most high profile cases are discussed, some of these have been burned into memory.
This memoir is highly recommended!
It really is worth reading wherever you are in the world. Several of his most high profile cases are discussed, some of these have been burned into memory.
This memoir is highly recommended!
September 2, 2025
I have to admit this wouldn't have been a book I would have picked up as a chance read, but I got is as my August random bookclub book, so I gave it a go. I hadn't heard of Nazir Afzal either, but reading through this there are a number of cases I remember from the time, do I can place him in modern British legal history. And reading this, he has done some amazing things for modern society and updating laws that still harked back to the Victorian era. But he also sounds dog tired by the end of it all, and his warnings of the problems we as a society now face ring very true. And that's scary right now as it feels like things are going to get worse before they get better. And it's always the vulnerable and the poorer end of society that are hammered the worst. And yes, I can see what he means that we are now lacking in innovative leaders and everyone is hampered by burocracy, by the terror of saying or doing something that someone somewhere will decide to be offended by. And the rich privileged at the top just don't get that if you don't engage with community, don't listen, then the battle is lost.
He has dealt with some distressing cases that could make you despair of humanity. And heartbreaking when he tells of honour killings and the fury and hatred these parents have of their children is chilling. And the misogyny that is ingrained in so much. And still we will not deal with it. And the victim blaming. A murderer is a murderer, a rapist is a rapist. It is a crime. It doesn't matter what the victim was or wasn't doing. They could have walked away but they chose to commit a crime.
We need more people like Afzal in these jobs. Basically people who weren't born with silver spoons in their mouths, who understand the reality of life for normal people, who can engage with communities. And yes, as much as some like to pitch against diversity these days, a mix of backgrounds so that they represent society as a whole. He was born in the UK to parents who had immigrated from Pakistan. I can't imagine that some privileged white toff would have been able to do so much work on dealing with forced marriages, honour killings and domestic abuse. Certainly wouldn't have understood the culture behind it.
He has dealt with some distressing cases that could make you despair of humanity. And heartbreaking when he tells of honour killings and the fury and hatred these parents have of their children is chilling. And the misogyny that is ingrained in so much. And still we will not deal with it. And the victim blaming. A murderer is a murderer, a rapist is a rapist. It is a crime. It doesn't matter what the victim was or wasn't doing. They could have walked away but they chose to commit a crime.
We need more people like Afzal in these jobs. Basically people who weren't born with silver spoons in their mouths, who understand the reality of life for normal people, who can engage with communities. And yes, as much as some like to pitch against diversity these days, a mix of backgrounds so that they represent society as a whole. He was born in the UK to parents who had immigrated from Pakistan. I can't imagine that some privileged white toff would have been able to do so much work on dealing with forced marriages, honour killings and domestic abuse. Certainly wouldn't have understood the culture behind it.
April 29, 2025
Absolutely incredible
January 4, 2021
By turns harrowing and uplifting, this is a memoir by British-Pakistani Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, whose mission was to “give a voice to the voiceless” and engage those members of the Black and Asian community who felt a profound distrust of the British justice system. Harrowing because of the accounts he gives of the human brutality he’s seen in the cases he’s prosecuted, and uplifting to see the work so many people have put in to have crimes such as forced marriage, domestic abuse, and so-called “honour killings” brought into the light. Nazir Afzal and his team fought hard to update laws and to foster understanding of issues abounding in the British-Asian community, and to encourage those communities to place more trust in the legal system, so it's disheartening that in his afterword he feels that many of those gains are being eroded by lack of funding and diversity in the judiciary. A worthwhile read.
May 24, 2020
Where do I even start with my review? This was truly amazing. I love reading books from the perspectives of people who have been inside of the UK justice system, and this was enlightening in an entirely new way. Afzal is a brilliant inspiration, especially as a man who has fought so hard for the rights of the people around him, whether they be women, LGBT or BAME. He really created an enjoyable novel to read, even though parts of it were so incredibly heartwrenching. To know that he presided over so many cases and managed to hold his humanity above it all is truly inspirational. There are definitely sections to this book that hurt me to read about, knowing that this stuff still goes on in the country I call home today, despite Afzal's attempts to bring them to justice. But even so, it's good to know that there are people out there like him, people who care. This is such an important book.
November 8, 2020
Nazir Afzal's memoir of 25 years with the Crown Prosecution Service is both interesting and highly readable. Dipping in and out of some of the biggest crimes of my lifetime, Afzal shines a light on both the biggest victories for the criminal system and some of the worst mistakes, all from the point of view of a man who fought the 'system' which he was a part of for much of his life. As a Muslim man taking on prosecutions for so-called Honour Killings, human slavery and the grooming of poor white girls by gangs of Pakistani men in places like Rochdale, he walks a fine line between the communities of his childhood and the establishment. Whilst he's proud of many of his achievements, he doesn't slavishly toe the line for the CPS and admits that his decision to retire was based on having insufficient staff and funding to do the job the way it needed to be done.
Absolutely fascinating and highly recommended.
Absolutely fascinating and highly recommended.
February 8, 2021
I knew pretty early into reading this book, that it was going to be a brilliant read. Azfal's talent for storytelling was captivating.
As I had previously read a non fiction that turned into an unexpected autobiagraphy of the author, I was wary about how much this book would be about the British judicial system. I needn't have worried. The early stages of his life laid the foundations for what he was to become and definitely impacted his need for change.
Throughout, we get a fascinating look at certain high profile cases, and how the perpetrators were found and brought to justice. One particular case, Safiya, a deaf girl kept as a slave, was nothing short of remarkable and will stay with me for a long time.
I have always had a deep fascination with the legal system, and this was a wonderful insight into it. Highly recommend.
As I had previously read a non fiction that turned into an unexpected autobiagraphy of the author, I was wary about how much this book would be about the British judicial system. I needn't have worried. The early stages of his life laid the foundations for what he was to become and definitely impacted his need for change.
Throughout, we get a fascinating look at certain high profile cases, and how the perpetrators were found and brought to justice. One particular case, Safiya, a deaf girl kept as a slave, was nothing short of remarkable and will stay with me for a long time.
I have always had a deep fascination with the legal system, and this was a wonderful insight into it. Highly recommend.
March 6, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review.
Nazir Azfal does an excellent job describing the shortcoming and successes of the British legal system during his 20+ years career. I found the detail behind the cases, the many hoops prosecutors have to jump thrrough to bring a case to justice illuminating. I also really enjoyed how he put the outcomes of specific cases into context about the broader changes they brought. However, I felt I would have liked more depth in each case - sometimes it felt a bit too rushed and also how the systemic changes came to be. The public sector moves very slowly and even though he commnets on this, while reading it feels like everything moves fast because there is a lot of detail missing. Overall though, I think this is a very important book which highlights many important issues and brings home the realisation the justice system needs major reform.
Nazir Azfal does an excellent job describing the shortcoming and successes of the British legal system during his 20+ years career. I found the detail behind the cases, the many hoops prosecutors have to jump thrrough to bring a case to justice illuminating. I also really enjoyed how he put the outcomes of specific cases into context about the broader changes they brought. However, I felt I would have liked more depth in each case - sometimes it felt a bit too rushed and also how the systemic changes came to be. The public sector moves very slowly and even though he commnets on this, while reading it feels like everything moves fast because there is a lot of detail missing. Overall though, I think this is a very important book which highlights many important issues and brings home the realisation the justice system needs major reform.
May 26, 2021
Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor, tells the fascinating story of his career and concludes with some urgent reflections on the state of our justice system and society. Well written (with the help of co-writer Matt Baker), expressive and invigorating, this is one of the most important books you will read this year.
June 27, 2021
Absolutely loved this book and learnt a lot more about the workings of criminal justice that we don't ordinarily get to see. Enjoyed reading of Nazir's career journey and poignant moments in history that brought about necessary and important changes in the law.
March 27, 2022
An absolutely fascinating book, I didn’t want to put it down. I am interested in the author himself, the legal process generally, and well known criminal cases, and this book dealt with all three. A really interesting read.
November 20, 2022
A wonderful memoir of Nazir's life from his humble beginnings in Birmingham to becoming top of the Criminal Prosecution Service. I've had the pleasure of hearing him speak at a book event and found him to be passionate and full of heart
This is a well written and insightful book
This is a well written and insightful book
December 26, 2022
Captivating
The best non fiction book i’ve ever read, couldn’t put it down. Nazir’s writing and career are so interesting, inspirational and leave you wanting more.
The best non fiction book i’ve ever read, couldn’t put it down. Nazir’s writing and career are so interesting, inspirational and leave you wanting more.
October 5, 2023
A very interesting book charting the life of a dedicated, motivated prosecutor, who tells it as he saw it. A good insight into the workings of the British justice system and the challenges it faces following years of unsustainable cuts and mindless bureaucracy.
May 2, 2020
An incredible account of life in the British criminal justice system over the last 30 years and it’s constant need for reform.
November 25, 2020
Excellent book. It reads as though it's written from the heart, by a man passionate about justice and human rights.
May 9, 2021
Amazing memoir, I cannot recommend enough. Afzal’s account of his time as a prosecutor shows the reader the progression of the legal system’s recent history, highlighting both its failings and its successes. Also, Afzal paints a picture of the bleak future of the justice system under the Tory government.
May 7, 2021
Thought provoking
We need more Nazir’s in the world. Great read. Thought provoking & emotive. I would recommend that all read this book.
We need more Nazir’s in the world. Great read. Thought provoking & emotive. I would recommend that all read this book.
April 27, 2021
An engaging thought provoking read
I have followed Mr Afzal's career for many years and always considered him to be a force for good. So, it was interesting to read the story of that career from his perspective. The world needs people like him and I hope that his book inspires his successors. A great example of a man who chose to light a candle rather than complain about the darkness. An inspiring read.
I have followed Mr Afzal's career for many years and always considered him to be a force for good. So, it was interesting to read the story of that career from his perspective. The world needs people like him and I hope that his book inspires his successors. A great example of a man who chose to light a candle rather than complain about the darkness. An inspiring read.
March 10, 2021
This is a really interesting book and one that held my attention all the way through. Nazir Afzal tells his story about his career in the Crown Prosecution service in a way that reads like it's fiction - it flows well, has a good pace and leaves the reader wanting to know more. He starts out telling his story of growing up in Birmingham and about the problems his family and friends faced as a minority - problems which gave him his passion for justice and his desire to work within the legal system. He then goes on to talk about his career - how he entered the profession as a defence lawyer and worked his way up to become one of this country's leading prosecutors in a profession that is filled with primarily white people. Throughout, his compassion for the victims he deals with shines through, and it's very obvious that he is passionate about his work.
The stories in this book focus on the cases he's had that involve people from BAME backgrounds, and highlight some of the challenges and discriminations that these communities face on a daily basis, such as the case of a girl who continually told the police that her life was in danger, but who wasn't taken seriously enough. On the flip side of this he explores the case of the Rochdale grooming gang and is very honest about the Crown's failings in this case. Not just focusing on the injustices in our legal system, Afzal is honest about the brutality of some of the 'traditions' that take place in the muslim community, such as honour killings and forced marriage. His stories also highlight the massive impact that budget cuts have had on the CPS, rendering them inefficient and not fit for purpose.
As a white British person, I am aware of my privilege and am always keen to gain more of an understanding of other communities, their customs and the challenges they face as minority groups.. It's safe to say this book helped me do that - it was at times funny, heartbreaking, informative and eye-opening. I'd definitely recommend to anyone who has even a passing interest in the UK legal system.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
The stories in this book focus on the cases he's had that involve people from BAME backgrounds, and highlight some of the challenges and discriminations that these communities face on a daily basis, such as the case of a girl who continually told the police that her life was in danger, but who wasn't taken seriously enough. On the flip side of this he explores the case of the Rochdale grooming gang and is very honest about the Crown's failings in this case. Not just focusing on the injustices in our legal system, Afzal is honest about the brutality of some of the 'traditions' that take place in the muslim community, such as honour killings and forced marriage. His stories also highlight the massive impact that budget cuts have had on the CPS, rendering them inefficient and not fit for purpose.
As a white British person, I am aware of my privilege and am always keen to gain more of an understanding of other communities, their customs and the challenges they face as minority groups.. It's safe to say this book helped me do that - it was at times funny, heartbreaking, informative and eye-opening. I'd definitely recommend to anyone who has even a passing interest in the UK legal system.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
August 4, 2020
This is a hard-hitting, gripping and honest account of the law of the land called the United Kingdom. Writing about a country that has historically been known for its judiciary system, Afzal brings to light the daily minute details of the legal system, its trials and tribulations, its celebrations and its impact on the ordinary man in the street. The highlighted cases have been explained not only in detail, but also by putting them in perspective of their legacy to catalyse a much needed change in the society. As I read through Afzal's fights to prosecute some renowned perpetuators, I found myself thanking my lucky stars that some like him is there standing on the side of the common man. The law doesn't not work on emotions, Afzal explains that rather clearly, but his account also shows the need to have emotions in the legal system. Being tried by the very law you are trying to administer can be frustrating, but Afzal shows how a little out of the box thinking can go a long way in achieving all the seemingly impossible goals.
If I could, I would rate this book a lot more than the 5 stars it is limited to here. Azfal is a strong writer, just as he has been an excellent prosecutor. He speaks with a force that only a man of conviction can have. This book has raised the bar so much for me that all others I have read thereafter have seemed a bit off the mark! a definitely recommended book.
If I could, I would rate this book a lot more than the 5 stars it is limited to here. Azfal is a strong writer, just as he has been an excellent prosecutor. He speaks with a force that only a man of conviction can have. This book has raised the bar so much for me that all others I have read thereafter have seemed a bit off the mark! a definitely recommended book.
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