Geoffrey Robertson Books

Geoffrey Robertson QC, a prominent figure in human rights law, shares his extensive experience as counsel in significant cases across various courts. As Head of Doughty Street Chambers and a Visiting Professor in Human Rights at Birkbeck College, he offers a unique perspective on legal challenges. His previous works, including FREEDOM, THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE LAW, and MEDIA LAW, alongside his memoir, THE JUSTICE GAME, reflect his deep engagement with legal issues. Currently residing in London, Robertson continues to influence the field of human rights.

In this memoir, a top Old Bailey barrister and human rights lawyer shares his journey from Australia to Britain, driven by a desire to challenge the British establishment. Continuing from "The Justice Game," Robertson reflects on his experiences and the complexities of the legal system, providing insights into high-profile cases and the pursuit of justice. His story highlights the intersection of personal ambition and professional ethics in a compelling narrative that showcases the struggles and triumphs within the legal profession.

Charles I waged civil wars that cost one in ten Englishmen their lives. But in 1649 Parliament was hard put to find a lawyer with the skill and daring to prosecute a king who claimed to be above the law. In the end, they chose the radical lawyer John Cooke, whose Puritan conscience, political vision, and love of civil liberties gave him the courage to bring the king to trial. As a result, Charles I was beheaded, but eleven years later Cooke himself was arrested, tried, and executed at the hands of Charles II. Geoffrey Robertson, a renowned human rights lawyer, provides a vivid new reading of the tumultuous Civil War years, exposing long-hidden truths: that the king was guilty, that his execution was necessary to establish the sovereignty of Parliament, that the regicide trials were rigged and their victims should be seen as national heroes. Cooke’s trial of Charles I, the first trial of a head of state for waging war on his own people, became a forerunner of the trials of Augusto Pinochet, Slobodan Milosevic, and Saddam Hussein. The Tyrannicide Brief is a superb work of history that casts a revelatory light on some of the most important issues of our time.

Individual freedom is coming under more complicated and sophisticated threats, which only the law can combat. This book analyzes all the human-rights issues of the moment, such as media invasions of privacy, miscarriages of justice, the Runciman Royal Commission and euthanasia.

The book explores the complex issue of repatriating art and cultural artifacts taken without consent during periods of conquest and colonialism. It examines the historical context of these appropriations and the ongoing demands from subjugated peoples for the return of their cultural heritage from museums and private collections in Europe and the USA. Through this lens, it delves into themes of justice, identity, and the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary cultural discourse.

The memoir offers a captivating journey through Geoffrey Robertson's evolution from a state schoolboy to a prominent barrister and human rights advocate. With humor and insight, he reflects on his youth, student protests, and legal battles against oppressive regimes. The narrative includes gripping accounts of defending clients on death row and challenging powerful figures, all while maintaining his independence and unique perspective. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and rich anecdotes, it reveals how Robertson has influenced the discourse on human rights with wit and wisdom.

Geoffrey Robertson's memoirs provide an engaging glimpse into the life of a prominent barrister, showcasing his experiences with a diverse range of high-profile clients, including John Stonehouse and Salman Rushdie. Known for his fluent and witty writing style, Robertson shares captivating anecdotes that highlight the intricacies of legal battles and the colorful personalities he has encountered throughout his career.

Exploring the intricate dynamics of free speech in Russia, this book delves into the strategies employed by the wealthy elite and government to suppress dissenting voices. It examines the impact of censorship and propaganda on public discourse, while also offering insights into grassroots movements and potential solutions to reclaim freedom of expression. Through a blend of analysis and practical recommendations, the narrative highlights the importance of resilience in the face of systemic oppression.

The book explores the effectiveness of local Magnitsky laws in addressing human rights violations amidst the decline of international criminal law. It argues that these laws serve as a crucial tool for the global justice movement, enabling the identification and condemnation of perpetrators. By focusing on this legal framework, the author highlights a proactive approach to holding violators accountable and fostering accountability on a global scale.

Focusing on international law, the book provides a compelling analysis of an unjust war, emphasizing the necessity of accountability for leaders like Putin. It argues that the stability of democracy is at stake unless such figures face consequences for their actions, presenting a thought-provoking perspective on justice and governance in the context of global conflict.