Law in a Time of Crisis by Jonathan Sumption

Law in a Time of Crisis Reviews

• 
  Daria

  A very interesting read, although the title I would say was a bit misleading. Only the last third of the book covers the topics related to the constitutional questions I was most looking forward to reading. But nevertheless, the discussions in the other chapters provided a fascinating look into topic which only a very experienced professional could shed light on.
  
  In addition, there were some views expressed with which I strongly disagree. For example, I cannot agree with the suggestion that in the eventuality that Scotland votes to leave the UK, the Westminster Parliament could reject the result as those would not be in the long term interest of the Scots nor the rest of the UK. Neither do I agree with the statement that "history will look back on the measures taken to contain [the COVID-19 pandemic] as a monument of collective histeria and government folly."
• 
  Aparna

  A very interesting read, although the title is very misleading. Only the last part of the book covers the questions related to the British constitution and uncertain times, such as Brexit and coronavirus. The rest of this book covers Sumption's thoughts on a variety of topics like history and the law, judicial diversity, personal injury, contracts. I didn't really care about this - I thought I was getting a book which only covered what the title and blurb suggested.
  
  I disagreed with a lot of the views expressed, but I thought the author gave a balanced argument in most cases. I felt like he he glossed over some key issues, like on the Brexit vote;
  "The British knew what they were doing [when they] voted to leave the European Union. They are not living in a make believe world like those who voted for Trump in the United States"
  
  I question a lot of the statements in this book but I think that's the point - the point isn't to agree with the author, but to start a discussion, which I think the author does well. Overall, a good read for those interested in British current affairs, history, law, or politics.
• 
  Simon

  Always worth reading Sumption. You may not always agree with him but he reminds you that there is a way of disagreeing without falling out. He knows how to set out an argument that is by its very nature inviting a counter argument. Mind you, the counter argument better be a strong one or you’re going to come second.*
  
  And, obviously, he knows his law.
  
  * By the way, coming second, contrary to the perceived wisdom of supposed role models, is no bad thing to achieve.
• 
  Eliška

  Název souboru esejí je trochu zavádějící, neboť pouze část z nich se týká "práva v krizi". Ničemu to ovšem nevadí, protože všechny shromážděné texty, dříve pronesené na různých fórech, jsou čtivé, poutavé a Sumption je ke dni vydání aktualizoval tak, aby reflektovaly (nejen) čas pandemie.
• 
  Joseph Morgan

  All the essays included in this short collected are exceedingly well-written. However, their lack of thematic unity means they don't really cohere as one book.
• 
  Anastasia

  Read as a sequel to Trials of the State and during the first semester in France, in 2022. Once again, thoroughly enjoyed Lord Sumption's work and reading about his different legal insights.
• 
  Malachi

  DNFD, it's okay for somebody out there but I wasn't gaining anything from it
• 
  Jennifer 青青

  “Fear persuaded people to accept the surrender of their liberty. Historically, fear has always been the most potent instrument of the authoritarian state”
  
  “The government has discovered the power of public fear to let it get its way”
  
  “The British public has not even begun to understand the seriousness of what is happened if to our country”