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Justice on Trial
- Radical Solutions for a System at Breaking Point
- Narrated by: Chris Daw
- Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins
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Justice on Trial
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Summary
Bloomsbury presents Justice on Trial by Chris Daw, QC, read by Chris Daw.
Almost everything we think about crime and punishment is wrong. I am going to show you why. And what we can do about it.
Chris Daw, QC, has been practising criminal law for over 25 years, navigating Britain’s fractured justice system from within. He has looked into the eyes of murderers, acted for notorious criminals and listened to the tangled tales woven by fraudsters, money launderers and drug barons. Yet his work takes place at the heart of a system at breaking point - one which is failing perpetrators, victims and society - and now he is convinced that something must change.
For most of us the criminal law only matters when we are victims of crime or are called for jury service. But what if everything we have been told about crime and punishment is wrong?
What if the whole criminal justice system is a catastrophic waste of money, churning out lifelong criminals, dragging children into court from as young as 10 and fighting a war on drugs that can never be won?
Drawing on his own fascinating case histories and global reporting, including the 2019 London Bridge attacks, Alabama’s prison system and one of Britain’s most dramatic mass shootings, Daw presents a radical new set of solutions for crime and punishment. By turns shocking, moving and pragmatic, Justice on Trial offers rare inside access to a system in crisis and a road map to a future beyond the binary of ‘good’ and ‘evil’.
Critic reviews
"A shocking, disturbing, revealing and enlightening examination of a deeply flawed criminal justice system by someone who’s seen at first hand what the problems are, and more importantly, knows how they should be fixed." (Piers Morgan)
"Fast-paced, engaging and littered with fascinating and often shocking real-life cases, Daw portrays a judicial system that’s broken from the lowest courts to the toughest prisons in the land, suggesting solutions that are as provocative as they are persuasive." (Matthew Wright, broadcaster)
"A hard hitting, page turning account of the failures of our criminal justice system describing through some of the author’s own cases not only how our system evolved but also why it fails to deliver to the public the protection they deserve." (Cherie Blair, QC)
What listeners say about Justice on Trial
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- claire
- 23-04-24
Fascinating
I had the pleasure of meeting the author and was intrigued to listen to his book even though it’s not a topic I would normally look to read about. I couldn’t stop listening to it, even put it on at 3am as I wanted to know what happened in the cases. There were some very sad cases which make you think about criminals differently. Really changed my opinions of the legal system and what justice means and how it should be achieved. I always prefer when an author reads their book when they can, and this was delivered brilliantly. Would recommend.
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- Adrian Mark Dore
- 19-09-21
Essential change, but unlikely to happen.
A well-written, thought-provoking book whose premise I fully support. However, the reality of implementing meaningful change is remote. The reason is simple, unless we implement fundamental economic reform, which changes the underlying philosophy by which we run our economy, and thus society, change to our judicial system will not occur.
Our Free Market economy sets up the circumstances which perpetuate these adverse and perverse outcomes. Free market economies strive to reduce the size of government and thus their ability to provide adequate social support in its myriad forms. It also strives to outsource government functions (such as prison services), so it is in private enterprise’s interest to increase, not reduce, prison populations. Therefore, before you attempt to change the judicial system, change the economic situation.
Much of the reform Chris refers to has taken place in countries with large (relative) governments using progressive tax systems to fund these schemes. Until we adopt a similar social market economy where common good is the central theme of our endeavours rather than the self-interest of Free Markets, I’m afraid Chris is barking at the moon.
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- Anonymous User
- 01-08-20
Outstanding Listen
This is my first time listening to an Audiobook in full, I couldn't stop listening.
Chris Daw has highlighted deep-rooted flaws in our common views and implementation of Criminal Justice. I hope his ideas and observations receive the due consideration they deserve, and that those who support the system as it stands are able to gain new insight from Chris's extensive experience and expertise.
As a narrator, Chris has a most pleasing tone which captivates the listener and brings each case to life, as the listener hangs on his every word.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Thank you Chris.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- bignewshound
- 08-02-21
EYE OPENING AND LIFE CHANGING
This examination of the way British Justice is administered is shocking and life changing. Step by step Chris Daw QC takes the system apart and suggests far more effective ways to put it back together again. What you get6 is a compelling argument for a complete overhaul of an outdated, outmoded and utterly unsuitable justice system.
Daw regularly makes comparisons between the UK and US system and his argument against the UK going down the same route as the Americans is brutally honest and terrifying. The United States is a shambles when it comes to administering justice and its prison population is now the equivalent to one of the largest cities in the country. American justice serves no one but corrupt or power hungry politicians and self service corporations who keep the system going for personal gain.
This is a book everyone needs to read. And in the Covid era - and whenever we emerge from it - its ideas and philosophy will prove more important.
On the performance side, Daw is a Barrister not a voice over artist but his delivery is honest and very easy to listen to. I played my audio version at 1.5x normal speed. It works really well.
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- Giulia R.
- 29-03-21
One easy listening of great interest
if there were more C Daw we would certainly live in a more empathetic , rational and honest world and not just that one of applied justice.
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- Anonymous User
- 14-09-20
Compelling and startling insight into a failed system. Excellent ideas for change.
This book is provides a compelling and logical insight into the “justice” system and its key failings which are described along with great stories to underline these failings.
Justice at present is a misnomer and Chris provides a fresh look into how the system needs to be aligned with the name. Crime and punishment cannot continue to be measured and delivered as they currently are and Chris sets out how to start addressing this.
Highly recommended.
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-03-21
Criminal Justice on Trial
Have been working within the Criminal Justice System (CJS)for over 48-years and currently teach a session on CJS to police recruits where I ask the question whether the CJS is broken and fit for purpose? This is as an excellent book raising challenging issues, and alternative perspectives that have some merit. Politics and populism provide barriers to progress, but Author suggests ways forward that our political leaders should seriously consider to provide a fairer, safer, and more just society for all. Who is willing to put their head above the parapet? Much food for thought, thank you Chris Daw.
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- N
- 29-09-20
Excellence
Really enjoyed this fresh vision on the justice systems of the UK and USA. The author well presents engaging material from his life to accentuate the clear and evident need for change in our justice systems.
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- Amazon Customer
- 06-02-23
The road to recovery
At heart , we all appreciate our justice system is ineffectual .
Chris Daw ‘s thinking is clear , shows a way forward ; that , if adopted , would dramatically reduce our average citizens suffering at the hands of organised international villains .
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- Imanuel
- 07-04-21
A must read!
This QC argues a brilliant case for implementing education and humanity over criminalisation and dehumanisation in the criminal justice system. Evidence based, it also appeals to good ole common sense. Either way its an education in law and humankind.
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