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23 May 2014 / James Wilson
Issue: 7607 / Categories: Features
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Book review: A short book of bad judges

"Darling’s chief crime was what Bacon called a lack of gravity; for more modern readers he seems to have been something of a David Brent"

Author: Graeme Williams QC
Publisher: Wildy, Simmonds & Hill
ISBN: 9780854901418
Price: £9.99

In R v Sussex Justices; ex parte McCarthy [1924] 1 KB 256, 259, Lord Hewart LCJ famously said: “It is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance, that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”

Best baddies?

The aphorism found its way into the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations . Ironically, while it might be one of the greatest legal quotes of the 20th century, it was made by one of the very worst judges. In 1985, Lord Devlin wrote ( Easing the Passing: the Trial of Dr John Bodkin Adams ): “Hewart…has been called the worst Chief Justice since Scroggs and Jeffries in the 17th century. I do not think that this is quite fair. When one considers

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Church Court Chambers—Maryam Syed KC

Church Court Chambers—Maryam Syed KC

Church Court Chambers welcomes Maryam Syed KC

Devonshires—Sean Garbutt

Devonshires—Sean Garbutt

Devonshires strengthens construction team with appointment of partner Sean Garbutt

Thackray Williams—Alexandra Hubbard

Thackray Williams—Alexandra Hubbard

Thackray Williams strengthens employment team with dual-qualified solicitor

NEWS
Judges and lawyers reviewing the rules of disclosure have ruled out a return to the old system of CPR Part 31, and will consult on proposals to simplify the Practice Direction (PD) 57AD regime by early next year
A consumer organisation has hit back at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for encouraging motor finance compensation claimants to steer clear of law firms and claims management companies
A fast, free and anonymous piece of software has been launched to help law practices comply with their regulatory duty to guard against an increasing onslaught of cyberattacks
A mood of cautious optimism has enveloped the criminal law sector following indications the prime minister may abandon planned jury reforms
The Court of Appeal has held user damages are recoverable in a competition claim, in Meta Platforms Inc and other companies v Gormsen [2026] EWCA Civ 993
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