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Fake Law

The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies

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Fake Law

By: The Secret Barrister
Narrated by: Jack Hawkins
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About this listen

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Could the courts really order the death of your innocent baby? Was there an illegal immigrant who couldn't be deported because he had a pet cat? Are unelected judges truly enemies of the people?

Most of us think the law is only relevant to criminals, if we even think of it at all. But the law touches every area of our lives: from intimate family matters to the biggest issues in our society.

Our unfamiliarity is dangerous because it makes us vulnerable to media spin, political lies and the kind of misinformation that frequently comes from loud-mouthed amateurs and those with vested interests. This 'fake law' allows the powerful and the ignorant to corrupt justice without our knowledge – worse, we risk letting them make us complicit.

Thankfully, the Secret Barrister is back to reveal the stupidity, malice and incompetence behind many of the biggest legal stories of recent years. In Fake Law, the Secret Barrister debunks the lies and builds a defence against the abuse of our law, our rights and our democracy that is as entertaining as it is vital.

 Law Professionals & Academics True Crime White Collar & Corporate Crime Crime Witty Funny Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

Well written, both punchy and providing concise explanations of complex laws . . . a powerful polemic that also acts as a primer about our legal rights (Rosamund Urwin)
The Secret Barrister mounts a powerful defence of lawyers and the law from their noisy detractors . . . this is an urgent and highly readable book. You will come away from it feeling that your mind has been purged (Thomas Grant)
Fake Law is a compelling, eye-opening read and should act as a wake-up call for anyone with an interest in how the law, and, by extension, society and justice function – that is to say, every one of us. (Huston Gilmore)
The authority of this author is in the sheer quality of the writing. To keep up to this standard in tweet after tweet, blogpost after blogpost, and now book after book is remarkable – especially if, as the author tells us, they do all this in addition to a busy and stressful criminal practice
I enjoyed reading this book. It is well-written and informative and the SB is right to lament the levels of public ignorance about the way the system works. (Philip Johnston)
This is not the easiest book you will read this summer. But it will be one of the most educational and alarming
A defence of the legal system and exposé of agenda-driven politicians, click-hungry tabloid editors and powerful corporate interests who persuade us that the system is stacked in favour of criminals and the undeserving. In fact, the resulting changes to the law mean our own rights – for example, to legal aid – are being quietly eroded
A much-needed book that looks at some of the biggest myths behind the legal system. Fans of the Secret Barrister will be pleased with the latest instalment, which offers well-written insight, making difficult-to-understand laws clearer with interesting and current case studies. (Megan Baynes)
The anonymous campaigning lawyer returns with a myth-busting new book that takes on the many detractors of the law and legal profession.
All stars
Most relevant
Binge listened to this book which I really enjoyed. A great run through some of the most ridiculous and depressing episodes in legal reporting with a good measure of dry humour. Would heartily recommend.

Excellent, very thought provoking, didn’t disappoint

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Much like the first Secret Barrister installment, this is a truly excellent opus. We delude and comfort ourselves in thinking that we'll never come into contact with the justice system and it is, therefore, not something we need to concern ourselves with. We should. God help us if we find ourselves the wrong side of the tracks thanks to constant meddling by politicians, the media and the infamous "court of public opinion". Churchill's view on democracy immediately springs to mind in this regard.

A great narrator, guides us through this funny, informative and frightening work with great skill.

This is a must for anyone interested in law, liberty or the justice system. Highly recommended!

A fantastic 'must listen' from beginning to end

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Another great book by the secret barrister. A must listen for anyone at all interested in how or society works and the way our laws underpin everything we do. Illuminating how threatened the basic rule of law is from our political structure.

Another great book

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I enjoy non fiction books that change my opinions/ point of view. I was always cynical of the legal profession/ambulance chaser. It was good to hear it from their side. It did reinforce my jaded opinion of politics. Highly recommended.

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A fascinating look at the law, explaining various topics to the layman. This should be mandatory listening for all those that like to spout off about whatever cause celebre is in the news.

Should be mandatory listening

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