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  • A Life of Crime: Memoirs of a High Court Judge

  • By: Sir Harry Ognall
  • Narrated by: Mike Grady
  • Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (309 ratings)

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A Life of Crime: Memoirs of a High Court Judge

By: Sir Harry Ognall
Narrated by: Mike Grady
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Summary

A witty and candid memoir of life at the Bar and on the Bench, from former High Court Judge Sir Harry Ognall.

The Hon. Sir Harry Ognall is a retired judge of the High Court, Queen's Bench Division. For many years, he enjoyed a formidable reputation as an advocate at the criminal Bar. As counsel, and later as judge, he was involved in numerous high-profile trials, both here and abroad.

Among many cases as a QC, he prosecuted Peter Sutcliffe, the so-called 'Yorkshire Ripper'. He successfully defended six officers of the Air Force of Zimbabwe at their trial in Harare, where they faced a charge of treasonable sabotage.

As a judge, he presided over the trial of Colin Stagg (the alleged 'Wimbledon Common murderer'), the trial arising from the Lyme Bay canoe tragedy, and the trial for the first time in the United Kingdom of a doctor's alleged involvement in euthanasia.

Thoughtful and provocative, Sir Harry has advice for the aspiring young advocate and invests this penetrating memoir with warmth, humour and understanding. His frank portrait of a lifetime in the criminal law offers unique perspectives on some of the most notorious cases of the 20th century and fascinating insights into a colourful professional life and the burdens and responsibilities that come with the privilege of high judicial office.

©2017 Harry Ognall (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about A Life of Crime: Memoirs of a High Court Judge

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

interesting listen

Excellent narrator
some humoures parts
worth a listen
can't as a socialist canyt agree with his politics though

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Funny and compelling

Great insight into judges life and review of some high profile cases, if not a bit sparse on the gory details

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Smug

I disliked the air of self satisfaction which the reader was able to convey which I suspect was not the author’s intention.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting Précis Of Legal Career

I could relate to many of the cases and events due to my age which made it interesting. It also put some meat on the bones of the structure of the legal profession from the point of view of being a barrister through to being a judge. The author’s (in my opinion )slightly too left leaning views were interesting particularly on capital punishment.
Overall a decent listen but could have been a bit longer.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful!!

The narrator of this Audiobook was a joy to listen to. The Book is full of interesting tales. Well worth a listen.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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What a man! What principles!!

I thought this book was wonderful, a memoir told beautifully without sensationalism and very informative

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent App

Superb and I know my friend will love it. It'sthe first time I've used Audable.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A little brief and light on detail

Fascinating memoir including some of the biggest trials in my lifetime, but I felt it was too brief (no pun intended) and glosses over years and many trials.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant stuff.

Absolutely thrilling and insightful read. The best kind of books making you feel a full spectrum of emotions.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant Listen

A brilliantly written book, beautifully read, totally fascinating. Brilliant insight into the legal profession, exceptional.

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