Hans Petter Graver

Valiant Judges, Iniquitous Law

This book is about heroes of law. It provides examples of when judges have exercised courage, moderation, wisdom, and justice rather than blindly following the law. It also discusses the contentious issue of whether a judge has a moral responsibility to defend the rule of law, regardless of what the law actually states. The work presents a collection of thirteen stories about judges who in different settings have stood up against the authorities and public opinion in the defence of the rule of law. An introductory chapter sets the scene with two examples of situations gone wrong when those applying the law have just followed the demands of those in power. The thirteen stories are followed by two theoretical chapters discussing the moral responsibility of the judge. Finally, the book explores the kind of ethical theory required to guide judges in the assessments they must make, and the choices they have to take in order to fulfil their moral responsibilities. It is argued that the classic virtues of courage, moderation, wisdom, and justice are all qualities that can contribute to both sound judgment and reflection. The book thus seeks to nurture a realistic culture and a tradition of cultivating lawyers who defend the rule of law. Against a background where the history of our legal institutions when put to the test, is largely nothing to be proud of, the work seeks to change this by highlighting and reflecting on the exceptions. The book will be illuminating reading for students and academics working in the areas of Jurisprudence, Legal Ethics, and Legal History.