Judging

Ross Cranston author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:23rd Oct '25

Should be back in stock very soon

Judging cover

What do judges actually do? What is the everyday reality of judging in civil matters? What falls under the rubric of judging? Written by a legal academic and former judge, this book offers a cogent and accessible account of what it means to be a judge in senior courts and those dealing with smaller claims. Drawing on judicial experiences and the social sciences, Judging is split into two parts. Part I examines the three fundamental values of judging - independence, impartiality, and integrity - and draws out the implications of these for everyday judging. It covers judicial guidance and codes of practice, structural protections for judges, and the behavioural rules for judges both in and away from court. Part II of the book turns to the legal and policy framework for judging, judgecraft, and judicial decision-making. This includes judicial appointments, work conditions, fact finding, litigants in person, ex tempore decisions, and the influences on decisions. Comprehensive and unique, the book demonstrates that the complex work of a judge extends beyond decision-making to matters such as managing cases, other judges, and judicial systems.

It should (...) be of interest to all those who are concerned to understand the operation of the justice system and its place in society. (...) It is an invaluable description of what judges do and the context in which they do it. * The Hon Mr Justice Christopher Butcher *
It is the combination of scholarly brilliance and distinction coupled with judicial experience that makes [this book] so welcome. It is comprehensive, wide-ranging, elegantly expressed and authoritative. * Professor Graham Zellick, CBE, KC, FacSS, New Law Journal *
Ross Cranston's Judging examines the values and practicalities that make for a good judge from the perspective of one now retired from the UK bench. The book is a timely and important contribution to our understanding of the UK justice system, and therefore to the open justice principle itself. * Daniel Clark, LSE Review of Books *
This book is a timely and important study of the art and significance of judging. ..Ross Cranston, a professor of law and former High Court judge, writes from a historical and worldwide perspective. ..This is an excellent book. * David Pickup, The Law Society Gazette *
This is an important and clearly expressed resource on a subject that is often misinformed in public discourse. It is written not just for those in the legal profession. * Nikki Singla KC, Counsel Magazine *
Judging is a very informative book that would be an extremely useful guide for not only new judges in fulfilling their role in the judiciary but also for all judicial officers of the Commonwealth as a reminder of their responsibilities as well as the legal profession and even students studying law. * Commonwealth Judicial Journal *
The book is essential reading for modern judges and for those thinking about modern judging. It will be useful to those who want to know more about what judges do and the author's clear expression and style makes it accessible to non-lawyers as well as to lawyers. * Alan Robertson, The Australian Law Journal *

ISBN: 9780198987987

Dimensions: 215mm x 135mm x 27mm

Weight: 500g

416 pages