Sir Thomas More, by Hans Holbein. He is wearing the Collar of Ss. Continue reading “The Gold Chain of the Lord Chief Justice”
Author: Henry Brooke
I am a retired judge. I was formerly chair of the Prisoners of Conscience Appeal Fund, and am the sole patron of the Public Law Project. My work for the Slynn Foundation and Peace Brigades International (UK) involved me in helping justice systems in Eastern Europe and beleaguered human rights defenders, particularly in Central and South America. I am married, with four children and seven grandchildren.
Mr Justice Darling: “an impudent little man in horsehair”
Mr Justice Darling, “Judicial Lightweight”, by Spy
This blog is written about an English judge who died, aged 87, a month before I was born, and inhabited a totally different age. Continue reading “Mr Justice Darling: “an impudent little man in horsehair””
The North Kensington Law Centre and Grenfell Tower
Yesterday Lord Bach’s Commission held a two-hour session with five people (two of them lawyers) who told us from first-hand experience about what has been happening (or not happening) since the disastrous fire at Grenfell Tower two months ago. Continue reading “The North Kensington Law Centre and Grenfell Tower”
Mourning Bands and Weepers
This is a picture of Sir Charles Swinfen Eady, a Chancery judge who was Master of the Rolls for one year, between 1918 and 1919. Continue reading “Mourning Bands and Weepers”
The junior barrister’s gown
Yet again I am indebted to my Canadian friend John deP. Wright for this interesting snippet of English legal history. Continue reading “The junior barrister’s gown”
Memorable judgments (5): When is a decision not a decision?
The answer to the question posed in the title of this blog is to be found in paragraph 39 of Upper Tribunal Judge Wikeley’s judgment: Continue reading “Memorable judgments (5): When is a decision not a decision?”
Four reflections on the Charlie Gard case
Here are four reflections on the Charlie Gard case. Continue reading “Four reflections on the Charlie Gard case”
PIPs: A blind woman’s experience
I have been sent this new story about a bizarre PIP assessment. Continue reading “PIPs: A blind woman’s experience”
Another birthday: 81 not out
I have been very touched by the number of people, known and unknown, who have tweeted birthday wishes to me today. . Continue reading “Another birthday: 81 not out”
Opening lines & memorable passages in judgments – Part IV
Since my last blog in this series, I have had a few more memorable opening lines of judgments drawn to my attention, but I have never known quite what to do with them. Continue reading “Opening lines & memorable passages in judgments – Part IV”
Henry Brooke 