It’s a very good book. Each trial is a different trial so it is an interesting book. There is humour in it also. Well written

I loved, loved, loved this book. Intelligent, moving, unexpected. I read this is pretty much two sittings as I just couldn't put it down. I'll be recommending it far and wide! Probably for many years to come!

A fascinating look into life at The Old Bailey. The author anonymises real life cases she has presided over, to give a comprehensive overview of her role, and that of the court staff and procedures. She manages to weave social issues and moral dilemmas into each case in a completely accessible and thought provoking way. It’s gritty, moving and gives a completely different perspective on the headlines you read in the papers.
A surprising page-turner!

One of the best books I’ve read about the criminal justice system (and I have read a few!). Brilliant, forceful, insightful.

Written by retired High Court Judge Wendy Joseph this great book takes us through the workings and procedures of murder trials at the Old Bailey. With aspect of the law that most people would not be aware of Judge Wendy writes in an easy, informative and very human way of all the facts that a Judge and the court have to consider to ensure that not only is justice is done but that it is seen to be done but this is not a dry book by any means. With some experience of criminal courts (on the right side) I would highly recommend this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Random House UK for this copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I found something about the way this author wrote about both victims and perpetrators really objectionable so I couldn't connect with it at all.

Review not posted anywhere else.

Unlawful Killings starts with a school visit to The Old Bailey and ends with an understanding that outreach, education and prevention through education are more imperative than ever.
Using her experience as a Judge and Barrister Wendy Joseph creates believable, realistic narratives to exemplify how a murder trial pans out.
I learned such a lot readinsg this book and was hooked from start to finish.
So much of what happenes in the courtroom is unfamiliar, yet Joseph kept it very real and by using crimes with which we are all familiar (whetehr through TV or news or whatever) she made her observations and the procedure of the courtroom accessible and much easier to follow.
This is an informative, relatable book that really delves inot critical issues in the UK Criminal Justice system .

This was a riveting read that was both fascinating and thought provoking. I have always been fascinated with true crime and this gives insight further into the process. I really enjoyed it.

Unlawful killings is a fascinating insight into the court system by a female judge. It was so insightful and interesting. And great to read something from a female point of view

Fantastic addition to ‘justice’ and law literature. Even better from a woman’s POV. Love how each case highlights an issue with law and the court system. Highly recommended.

An in-depth view into the role of a judge during murder proceedings in the UK. Told with compassion and frankness, Wendy Joseph QC guides the audience through the decisions she must make on a daily basis.

I found this to be an informative read and highly interesting. The author gives us real insight into her role as a judge and takes the time to discuss aspects of the law that readers are unlikely to be familiar with.

Throughout this book the main thing that sticks out for me is the author’s voice. She is incredibly relatable, and this adds a human touch to the part she plays in legal proceedings. We tend to think of judges as omnipotent but as Wendy Joseph QC explains that is far from the truth.

Some of the text is a little dry but personally I can’t see a way in which it could be made more digestible, the author has tried their best.

The cases that are written about are intriguing and I found myself desperate to discover the outcome of each one. The author explains each one in a manner that is empathetic and factual.

Overall, this is a book to read if you are interested in society and the law.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Unlawful Killings is a fascinating non-fiction look at the work of an Old Bailey judge using case scenarios drawn from real life, but not actually representing any particular real person. The tone is warm and engaging, managing to explore some quite difficult areas of the law without losing the reader. If I'm ever horribly murdered, I'd like Her Honour to try my killer please, I know she'd be fair.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in the workings of the criminal law, especially for new law students.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

We have already had the Secret Barrister and also the Secret Magistrate, now we have the (not so) Secret Judge.

This was a beautifully written, detailed, intense and compassionate overview of the job of a High Court judge explained through the (amended) stories of several of the murder cases she has heard.

This was compelling reading and provided an in-depth overview of the Criminal Justice System - and how it works - and often doesn't too.

It is good that members of the legal profession are beginning to shed light on the sometimes arcane workings of the CJS - long may they continue to do so.