Review: Trials of the State: Law and the Decline of Politics

Trials of the State: Law and the Decline of Politics by Jonathan Sumption
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A stark book, opinionated and unafraid. In some ways, terrifying. Prophesying doom, analysing tragedy, provoking thought. The power here is brevity and clarity, a simple case that is well-presented and decently argued. It lacks depth, but makes up for it with lucidity. A thoroughly enjoyable and interesting read that I will be thinking about deeply before drawing opinions.

That said, certain bits felt a bit thin. Definition of human rights was a bit dicey, almost contradictory to some of the examples used. Though that is a judgement I will hold on till a second read, I can say that on closer examination the argument is not as obvious as presented. Well-written, though there were very specific bits where the structure lost me a little. Especially when contrast is presented across comparatives, it isn’t obvious at first that it is a case of contrast which makes for a few (isolated) jarring paragraphs.

And, of course, the scope is limited. This is a book unapologetically about the UK. Something to bear in mind.

So, read with a critical eye and think about what you are reading, but read it you should if you’re interested in law and politics.

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