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By David Keene
Judicial memoirs range from the deliciously (but perhaps recklessly) indiscreet (Lord Hope) to the hilarious (Lord Brown) to the earnest (Lord Dyson). Lord Justice Keene’s is in the latter category. He says it was written expressly for his grandchildren.
One interesting feature of the book is his description of his move from Chairmanship of the Oxford University Conservative Association to becoming a Labour Party candidate. I suppose this helps impartiality. There is a consideration of many important cases in which he was involved at the Bar or on the Bench, including many airport inquiries. Sir David held a range of positions including Chair of the Judicial Studies Board and the QC Selection Panel. One achievement was the introduction of a gym in the basement of the Royal Courts of Justice.
A chapter is devoted to ‘France and the Blairs’, recording the fact that Tony and Cherie stayed at their magnificent house in the Pyrenees at Saint-Martin-d’Oydes each summer. Sir David records the ‘painful’ fact that some parts of the media made up a story that his ascent to the Court of Appeal was as a result of his friendship with the Blairs, but this was assuaged by a note from Lord Bingham saying that the appointment was ‘the result of a unanimous recommendation by the senior judiciary’. It was, however, felt right by the Keenes that the Blairs should not visit again which they apparently took well.
Sir David retired early but carried on sitting in the Court of Appeal. He tells us that those judges who sit after retirement are known as ‘retreads’ or ‘returned empties’.
Judicial memoirs range from the deliciously (but perhaps recklessly) indiscreet (Lord Hope) to the hilarious (Lord Brown) to the earnest (Lord Dyson). Lord Justice Keene’s is in the latter category. He says it was written expressly for his grandchildren.
One interesting feature of the book is his description of his move from Chairmanship of the Oxford University Conservative Association to becoming a Labour Party candidate. I suppose this helps impartiality. There is a consideration of many important cases in which he was involved at the Bar or on the Bench, including many airport inquiries. Sir David held a range of positions including Chair of the Judicial Studies Board and the QC Selection Panel. One achievement was the introduction of a gym in the basement of the Royal Courts of Justice.
A chapter is devoted to ‘France and the Blairs’, recording the fact that Tony and Cherie stayed at their magnificent house in the Pyrenees at Saint-Martin-d’Oydes each summer. Sir David records the ‘painful’ fact that some parts of the media made up a story that his ascent to the Court of Appeal was as a result of his friendship with the Blairs, but this was assuaged by a note from Lord Bingham saying that the appointment was ‘the result of a unanimous recommendation by the senior judiciary’. It was, however, felt right by the Keenes that the Blairs should not visit again which they apparently took well.
Sir David retired early but carried on sitting in the Court of Appeal. He tells us that those judges who sit after retirement are known as ‘retreads’ or ‘returned empties’.
By David Keene
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
On the 50th anniversary of the pub bombings, even now it is still unresolved. Chris Mullin, the journalist and former MP who led the campaign leading to the release of the Birmingham Six, looks back at events
One year on and the Court of Appeal fails to quash convictions after receiving evidence of racism in the jury room, and there are still no revisions to the Equal Treatment Bench Book , says Keir Monteith KC
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
A cultural life and times