To Gray’s Inn Hall, in the hope of hearing acclaimed author Ian McEwan endure a thorough cross-examination on his latest novel, which centres around a leading family High Court judge.

McEwan read excerpts from The Children Act as part of human rights organisation Justice’s ‘Law and Literature’ series.

But instead of taking up an invitation to highlight any legal howlers, the learned audience seemed more interested in hearing about McEwan’s writing methods.

Does The Children Act really contain not a single legal solecism (which would be a first for any novelist)? Or does the legal profession consist entirely of aspiring writers?

Topics