To Be Fair: Confessions of a District Court Judge

by Rosemary Riddell

Retired judge Rosemary Riddell shares her reminiscences of life on the bench, complete with its humour, frustrations and poignant moments. A unique glimpse into a world most of us can only imagine, her story is a fascinating commentary on New Zealand life from the point of view of a woman involved in the top levels of our justice system.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, Law

232 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2021

Reviews

[Michelle Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Rosemary tells her story in such an interesting and insightful way; weaving together stories from her work life, heartache from personal life, statistics, research, and her views on the change that needs to come.

This book really captures and draws you into the world that is the New Zealand court system in a way that will have you both laughing and crying, and somehow wanting to know more about a system you’ve never thought to think about.

[olivia mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read as a law student but could easily be enjoyed by all. very entertaining, funny, and educational, but also reflects reality - a bit dark and difficult.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insight into the world of a District Court Judge, 'To Be Fair' is Riddell's take on what sort of person you have to be to become a Judge. It's also her memoir of her life in the role, the funny little anecdotes about the people she encountered, and the people she worked with, as well as the tragedies. To be fair, just because you are a Judge and held in high esteem by the community around you, doesn't mean you are immune to tragedy. A great read.

[Vicki Antipodean Bookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Rosemary’s memoir of her time as a New Zealand District and Family Court Judge. Filled with anecdotes about courtroom life with insights into the legal system and how judges balance and live with the decisions they have to make, I ripped through this one in a day! I particularly appreciated her thoughts around current laws that are not fit for purpose and the inequities and racism inherent in the system

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting to read a book written by a person you know reasonably well. Rose’s personality came through beautifully in this honest, sometimes humorous and insightful book. I imagine it’s not easy to include your own, often painful, life experience with a book that features being a judge of other people’s life experiences and choices. I found this book educative, engaging, funny at times and always thoughtful and thought provoking.

[Rose Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, writer provided great insight into NZ's judiciary system and her own personal journey. Laugh out loud funny in places, which helped with some of the darket subjects. Thank you for this koha, Rosemary Riddell

[Fiona Callahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting collection of opinions, experiences and references around the New Zealand Court system. Not a traditional biography as a number of anecdotes weren't the authors own. Easy to read short chapters but some repetition in content.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosemary Riddell describes life as a District and Family Court Judge with humor and humanity.

[Amy Evanson]

This book had me laughing out loud, absolutely loved it. It was also very refreshing to see te reo Māori used throughout.

[Helen Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s full of laugh aloud humour and humanity giving a great insight into the work of a New Zealand district court judge.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, giving a glimpse into a little-known profession and a better understanding of the breadth of the human experience as well as what connects us

[Mish Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !!!
Rosemary Riddell had me hooked from the first page.
Her story is so personal yet professional

[Julie Blake Etheridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious look at the judicial system from a Judges view. A must to read for all law students, anybody with an interest in law or who has ever been to court.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple autobiography, phenomenally and humbly crafted. It’s the best I’ve read in a long time. Suitable for all readers. Highly recommend.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous and interesting. I was hoping for a little more knowledge and depth. But still pretty neat to peak behind the curtain.

[Janet Wyeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Trish Little · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look behind the scenes in the NZ legal system - many amusing, as well as sad, real life anecdotes

[Cheryl McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a complex job. Insightful and amusingly recalled.

[Sarah Gardyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an interesting read

[Pascale Sperling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read.

[Denise Mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the light hearted but intelligent way Rosemary tells us her story, some thought provoking and intriguing moments in her ‘late blooming’ career.
I laughed a lot at her views on what is undoubtedly a very difficult job! I have to admire people who take on the challenge of working in the high echelons of the justice system it would take a lot of self-discipline to keep up with all the etiquette and protocols and it’s sometimes easy to forget these people are human too!

[Isabeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

*minor spoiler*

Gotta say, I really enjoyed this.

As someone who works in the Ministry of Justice as well, it’s a good insight of the lives of judges. Sure, I hear what they do, but the ‘knowing’ is a bit different.

It was very easy read, and I don’t think I’ve laughed out loud so many times reading a book in a long while. The book is full of gaff, opinion, and optimism, and I liked that.

After finishing I looked up Judge Riddell’s husband to see if he made it through his cancer treatments, only to find he’d passed away earlier this year. R.I.P Mike 😞

[Shavarn Christopher-Brighouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book, with added humour and sadness. Displays information on what can sometimes happen in the world from a judges perspective. Great read, recommend to anyone who loves law!