Abstract
Tom Bingham, a doctor's son, was “the outstanding British Judge of the past quarter century” (Times Literary Supplement).
He held successively, the offices of Master of The Rolls, Lord Chief Justice and Senior Law Lord. In 2005 he was appointed a Knight of The Garter – the first judge to be so honoured.
In 2008 he retired and his death saddened many. I found him to be modest, kind and shrewd. He thanked me for mentioning his father in a speech I made.
This slim volume (174 pages of text) is an absolute goldmine for the medico-legalist. As Bingham says, in his last paragraph, the concept of the rule of law is not fixed for ever. Some countries do not subscribe to it. However it remains an ideal. In the interests of good government and peace, it is worth striving for.
The book is in three parts and covers the territory from the history, via human rights, of the fair trial, [] terrorism, and the sovereignty of Parliament. He deals very effectively with the right to life, the prohibition of torture, slavery and forced labour; no punishment without law and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
I feel bound to say that this volume is a masterclass for doctors, lawyers and for the general public. It will remain forever a reference book for journalists and academics.
I do beseech readers of this journal to read this book. It will be money well spent.
The nation should be eternally grateful to Tom Bingham: a great human being.