Book reviews

Legal reminiscences are sometimes fairly dull but this is a delightful and readable account of the old assizes and quarter sessions system that held sway until 1972. It is written with particular reference to Oxford and the personalities who learnt their trade and practised there.

I was unaware until reading this book that it was a certain Lord Beeching who was behind the abolition of the assize system, one which had done good service for generations. Beeching was the man who rationalised (or butchered - depending on your point of view) the railways.