The Challenges of Democracy... and the Rule of Law

Celebrated historian and retired Supreme Court Judge, Jonathan Sumption has become something of a political pundit in recent years, and this collection of essays is a timely contribution to current debates. Some of these are updated versions of the 2021 BBC Reith lectures, where he displayed a masterful grasp of the issues. He won’t agree, but I find him more persuasive on the politics than on the law, and some of his views on ‘mission creep’ re the European Court of Human Rights or on aspects of free speech won’t appeal to everyone. Seldom have I read a better analysis of the threats to democracy – but that’s just what it says on the tin!  Dense in parts; a bit long-winded in others, it’s still worth reading by those who are seriously concerned about the fate of our democracy.