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Unlawful Killings

Life, Love and Murder: Trials at the Old Bailey
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( 2,165 ratings, 190 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Unlawful Killings by Her Honour Wendy Joseph is an insightful exploration into the world of criminal justice. Through her experiences as a judge, Joseph takes readers on a journey behind the scenes of murder trials, revealing the complexities and human elements involved in the courtroom. The narrative provides a gripping and detailed account of the judicial process, without compromising sensitive case details.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by true crime and the workings of the British legal system. It offers an insider's perspective into real-life murder trials, told with compelling insights from a judge who has seen it all.

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Unlawful Killings

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Unlawful Killings by Her Honour Wendy Joseph offers a gripping and heart-stopping inside look at the world of murder trials through the eyes of an Old Bailey judge. This compelling narrative takes readers through six high-profile murder cases, providing a unique lens into why people kill, what transpires during a trial, and what these cases reveal about the society we inhabit. Joseph’s perspective is not just that of a detached observer; she delves into the emotional and human aspects that pervade each trial, revealing the immense responsibilities faced by judges, defendants, and victim's families alike.

High-profile murder cases often capture public attention with sensational headlines that hint at the dramatic events within the courtroom. But unlike the average person who gets to turn the page and move on to the next captivating story, a judge is steadfastly anchored to each case, immersed in the consequences and raw emotion that follow an unlawful death. Joseph thoughtfully examines these cases, demonstrating that the real-life impact extends far beyond what media reportage can convey.

Sporting a remarkable blend of meticulous skill and deep-seated compassion, the author illustrates the unraveling of each case, immersing readers into the real-time experiences of a murder trial judge. She tenderly portrays the gravity of her role as a witness to both human kindness and depravity, chronicling the arduous journey of seeking justice in the face of grave crimes.

Significantly, Unlawful Killings underscores the sobering reality that the fracture lines running through our society are increasingly difficult to ignore. From her formidable vantage point, Wendy Joseph QC issues a poignant warning about the social perils of turning a blind eye to the underlying causes and dynamics of such violence.

This enthralling account is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at murder trials; it’s a profound exploration into the very fabric of societal norms and legal frameworks. Joseph’s narrative gracefully strips away the layers of courtroom drama, presenting an unvarnished depiction of justice, retribution, and the intricate dance between law and humanity.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Unlawful Killings by Her Honour Wendy Joseph is praised for its gripping and suspenseful narrative that reads like a novel. Reviewers highlight Joseph's keen insight into the law and the human condition, her deft use of suspense, and her humorous touch. The book is described as riveting, thought-provoking, and educational, providing an extraordinary insight into the mind of a judge.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781804990902

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin (Transworld)

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 234g

Pages: 336

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About the Author

Until March 2022 Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC was a judge at the Old Bailey, sitting on criminal cases, trying mainly allegations of murder and other homicide. She read English and Law at Cambridge, was called to the Bar by Gray's Inn in 1975, became a QC in 1998 and sat as a full-time judge from 2007 to 2022. When she moved to the Old Bailey in 2012 she was the only woman amongst sixteen judges, and only the third woman ever to hold a permanent position there. She was also a Diversity and Community Relations Judge, working to promote understanding between the judiciary and many different sectors of our community, particularly those from less privileged and minority groups. She mentors young people, from a variety of backgrounds, who hope for a career in law and has a special interest in helping women. Her first book, Unlawful Killings, won the Crime Writer's Association 'Gold Dagger' for Non-fiction and was a Sunday Times bestseller.

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