An Uncommon Lawyer

Lord Woolf's book recounts his career and provides a personal and honest perspective on the most important developments in the common law over the last half century. It explores his work on access to the judiciary, prison reform, and suggested reforms to the European Court of Human Rights. It also considers the Constitutional Law Reform Act 2005 and identifies what has been lost. All author profits from the book will be donated to the Woolf Institute.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this remarkable book, Lord Woolf recounts his illustrious career and offers a personal and honest perspective on the most significant developments in the common law over the past half-century. The book opens with a comprehensive description of his family background, which was profoundly influential on his later life, beginning with the arrival of his grandparents as Jewish immigrants to England in 1870. His recollections of his early years and family, education, and life as a student lead into his early career as a barrister and as a Treasury Devil, moving on to his judicial career and the many roles taken therein. The numerous standout moments examined include his work on access to the judiciary, prison reform, and suggested reforms to the European Court of Human Rights. Fascinating insights into the defining cases of his career, such as T AG v Jonathan Cape, Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers, Tameside, Hazel v Hammersmith, M v Home Office, remind the reader of how impactful his influence has been. He considers the setting of the mandatory component of the life sentences of Thompson and Venables and the Diane Blood case. Alongside the case law, and the Woolf Reforms, the Constitutional Law Reform Act 2005 is also explored. Considering the ebb and flow of changes over his remarkable judicial life, Lord Woolf identifies those he welcomes but also expresses regret on what has been lost. A book to remind lawyers, be they students, practitioners, or scholars, of the power and importance of law. All author profits from the book will be donated to the Woolf Institute.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509958429