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  • Bringing Down Goliath

  • How Good Law Can Topple the Powerful
  • By: Jolyon Maugham
  • Narrated by: Jolyon Maugham
  • Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (21 ratings)
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Bringing Down Goliath

By: Jolyon Maugham
Narrated by: Jolyon Maugham
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Picked as a 2023 highlight by the Guardian

A revealing, empowering vision of how the law can work better for all of us, from Jolyon Maugham KC, founder of Good Law Project.

Our legal system often feels like it only works for the rich and powerful - for those who have the means to use the courts to enforce their will and defend their interests. But we can fight back.

Jolyon Maugham KC founded Good Law Project in 2017 with the belief that the law can also put power in the hands of ordinary people. It has brought a series of landmark cases against a dishonest and increasingly autocratic government and won widespread acclaim in successfully reversing Boris Johnson's unlawful suspension of Parliament. Already the largest legal campaign group in the UK, Good Law Project is shining light into corners the establishment would rather keep dark - from the failures of Brexit to the still-developing PPE scandal, to the tax arrangements of business giants like Uber.

In Bringing Down Goliath, Jolyon Maugham shares his inspiration and his purpose, and he reveals the story behind these landmark cases and the hidden fault lines of our judiciary system. He offers an empowering, bold new vision for how the law can work better for all of us in the fight against injustice.

©2023 Jolyon Maugham (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A mighty blast... This is how to challenge the powerful." (Owen Jones)

What listeners say about Bringing Down Goliath

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A really interesting and thought-provoking read

I really enjoyed this. It’s fascinating to get a ‘behind the scenes’ view of legal challenges to the government, such as the prorogation of Parliament and the dodgy procurement of PPE during covid. In addition to an explanation about how the law in this country actually works - all written in a very accessible, and sometimes amusing, way. Thoroughly reccomended!

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A great listen

I really enjoyed the audiobook. Explained a lot of the aspects of law that I didn’t understand

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Amazing & inspiring

This account of what he has done & continues to do on behalf of democracy & decency is totally inspiring. I am so grateful to all he is doing for us.

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GLP: an effective challenge to power

This book confirmed my belief that the legal route is the most effective way to hold our politicians accountable. I was really thrilled to hear about putting the means to hold our local councils to their Climate Emergency Declaration rhetoric into the hands of local activists.

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How is this allowed, money is the root of all evil

I always believed that we have a good and fair society. The fact that the majority of our governing party are still free disproves this. I am very angry.

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If you listen to one non fiction book this year, make it this one.

I knew we were living in a country influenced by greed and corruption but I did not realise the extent and depths this went to. The absolute contempt our government hold for us and trust that their money and our apathy will shield them from any form of accountability. If you have any belief in “the right thing” please listen to Jolyon and share.

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A must-read

An extremely interesting listen. Well thought out, informative, level-headed and - to me - authoritative.

Thank goodness for the author and for Good Law Project!

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Thoroughly interesting

Jolyon takes the listener through some of the key cases that he has fought on behalf of the people of modern Britain. He highlights the power that can be gained from ordinary people coming together against a bigger, richer foe. A must read for anyone with a sense of social justice

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Uncalibrated scales

This is the most inspiring book I’ve listened to this year! The fact that bought the hard copy, originally as a present for my daughter, and kept it, (buy her a second copy), to review on what I believe will be multiple occasions, puts in a league of its own.
 
It lays bare some of the litigation that gets little meaningful unbiased reporting in the mainstream media; a fact that is troubling. The undermining of the rule of law affects us all but in different measure depending upon social and economic standing. This book goes someway to exposing this by example. And the examples are scary if you believe in democracy and justice, if you don’t, this isn’t the book for you.
 
From the introductory quote of “justice is open to all – like the Ritz Hotel” to the conclusion quote of “The world is in a bad state, but everything will become worse unless each of us does his best.” this book offers a peak into a very nasty can of worms of unchecked power but offers hope that there still libertarians willing to stand up for what is right and just. Although my general politics aren’t as left-leaning as Mr Maugham’s, it’s clear from examples that the scales need to be recalibrated as the independence of the judiciary is vital if a health democracy is to be maintained. The English legal system and the impression that the UK is a just land is worryingly in jeopardy from the onslaught of the rise of the right. We need, more than ever, a strong diverse and inclusive judiciary; we undermine the rule of law at our peril.
 
Personally inspiring?...I’m now contemplating picking up where I left off when I studied law some ten years ago and becoming more politically active, both as a result of this book. For that Mr Maugham, I thank you.

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A timely book. Beautifully turned sentences and an urgent message

It’s not enough to be merely worthy. Jolyon Maugham brings a sharp practical intelligence and real passion to his work. He doesn’t grandstand or preen, he makes us understand what the law is for and how it can be used to serve noble humanitarian ends, challenge injustice and curb the abuse of power. He explains some of the most important legal and constitutional crises of our times and why they needed to be understood. If you want the detail on
PPE fraud, Uber, Amazon or prorogation made clear and interesting, it’s here. *****

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2 people found this helpful