Judging

Written by a former High Court Judge, this book explores the everyday reality of judging in civil law matters. It covers the values of independence, impartiality and integrity, judgecraft, decision-making, and the broader responsibilities of managing cases and judicial systems.

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.