Rumpole and His Rivals: Comic Legal Fiction [Hardcover]

Rumpole and His Rivalsexamines comic legal fiction and the role it plays in the public's understanding of the legal system. The work focuses on the writings of eight lawyer authors over the past century and traces the different approaches taken in this form of comedic literature. Over sixty comic legal fiction books have been published in Britain between 1924 and 2024, with the desire of their authors not only to entertain, but to inform, educate, and create a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand how and why the rule of law and legal profession have garnered the current reputation and level of confidence which they have.Rumpole and His Rivals examines comic legal literature from 1924 to the present and its representation of law, lawyers, and the surprising role in which these books continue to inform the public of the nature and problems of legal issues.Peter Robsonwas solicitor, judge in Her Majesty's courts and tribunal service (19922022) and professor of social welfare law at the University of Strathclyde (19922019).

Accessible, insightful, and thought-provoking,Rumpole and His Rivals: Comic Legal Fictionis an immensely enjoyable and informative book exploring the tradition of comic legal fiction. An essential and, importantly, entertaining read for anyone interested in the portrayal of lawyers in fictional literature and the role of law in society. Highly recommended. Richard Collier, Newcastle University

In this volume, Peter Robson encourages the reader to take a serious look at some 'legal light literature'. While highlighting some of the more amusing aspects of legal life, the authors, all lawyers, also draw attention to some of the dilemmas and ethical problems commonly faced by members of the legal professions and judges today. Equally, they do not shy away from addressing the need to reform and improve aspects of the criminal justice system. Henry Cecil, author of the successfulBrothers in LawserieslC)