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The Challenges of Democracy: And the Rule of Law

Description:

'A timely red alert that democratic values cannot be taken for granted' The Times
'Incisive and eloquent' The Telegraph

A TIMES TOP LEGAL READ 2025

Across the globe, democracy is in crisis - in the UK alone, it has been rocked by Brexit, the pandemic and successive attempts by governments to bypass legal norms. But how did this happen, and where might we go from here?

Jonathan Sumption cuts through the political noise with acute analysis of the state of democracy today - from the vulnerabilities of international law to the deepening suppression of democracy activism in Hong Kong, and from the complexities of human rights legislation to the defence of freedom of speech. Timely, incisive and wholly original,
Challenges of Democracy applies the brilliance of 'the cleverest man in Britain' to the most urgent and far-reaching political issue of our day.

Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to defend democracy and freedom!

K.S. · 26 February 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Concisely argued and supremely logical. The book comprises the text of updated lectures at various venues; there are four sections: Politics and the State; Law in Our Lives; The International Dimension of Law and Freedom of Speech.Climate change is viewed as the greatest threat to democracy and perhaps the planet. The rise of extremism and intolerance in the U.K. is discussed. Sumption mounts a strong argument against the imposition of lockdowns but since they were introduced into the U.K. with legal force, he believes Pandora’s Box has been opened and predicts the possibility of a Hobbesian state.Hong Kong is discussed in detail - too much detail for me - but the message is clear. Hong Kong is moving toward totalitarianism reflecting the situation in China.The ECHR and the Human Rights Act are discussed but he stresses the supremacy of a sovereign Parliament in Britain and accepts that legal judgements from outwith the UK have affected UK practice and policy leading to discontent from right-wing politicians.In the Rule of Law, we learn about the ‘thin’ and ‘thick’ definitions. The latter currently prevails where the law is viewed as not only a framework for decision-making but also an active agent for social improvement. He identifies, persuasively in my view, two fundamental categories of rights that are intrinsic. Firstly, freedom of choice and freedom from violence and secondly freedom of thought, expression, assembly and association. Let democracy and the political process settle the rest.In The President’s Crimes he argues unequivocally that in Trump v U.S. the Supreme Court divided 6:3 on political grounds to award Trump immunity from criminal prosecution if the President was carrying out official duties while in office. Sumption demolishes the arguments of the Republican judges.When he goes on to examine the international dimension of the law, he concludes that withdrawal from the ECHR is in the best interests of democracy in the UK. He views the ECHR as a law unto itself and predicts that it will expand its all-embracing empire still further. Institutions like the ICC and and ICJ have a place in maintaining law and order in international relations.In Chapter X Mission Creep: Article 6 of the Human Rights Convention, Sumption appears to establish beyond reasonable doubt that judgements of the court exceed their remit and generate needless difficulties and prolonged debates with only lawyers benefiting from their generous remunerations.In considering how interests of the EU and the nation state may conflict, Sumption analyses in detail how the application of EU law may be tempered by courts in nation states. Usually, such limitations are linked to the Constitution of the nation state. In conclusion, he states that there is as yet no overarching European identity to replace the national identities of member states. Therefore, conflicts that cannot be resolved legally must be resolved politically.In the last section, Sumption focuses on freedom of speech and on the false dogma promulgated by such politically-motivated organisations as Black Lives Matter and Stonewall. A false philosophy infects most of our institutions including centres of academia. He sums it all up rather nicely. We cannot have truth without accommodating error. We must be allowed to say things that some might regard as foolish, hurtful or untrue. Only then will civilisation advance and flourish. Free speech is worth fighting for.This book is, in effect, an excellent defence of democracy and freedom. Reasoned analysis concisely expressed displaying a huge breadth of knowledge and understanding. Some sections will test your comprehension but this book is well worth reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and thought-provoking

G.S. · 23 August 2025

An excellent and thought-provoking defence of free speech. Highly necessary in today’s intolerant world, where the “wrong” views are enough to destroy your life. Strongly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes you think

R.D. · 12 April 2025

A thought provoking series of essays that pushes back against many widely accepted views of modern life.A great writer who puts his views across very well.

5.0 out of 5 stars My review.

I.M. · 4 April 2025

It is a perfect antidote to the follies of the age.

5.0 out of 5 stars a good read

W.W. · 27 August 2025

thought provoking

5.0 out of 5 stars expertise plus.

D.J. · 14 March 2025

Great writing by someone who knows.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Analyses

B. · 24 June 2025

I liked the brilliant clear analyses and supporting data of each of the topics tackled. Well done Jonathan Sumption. Sir.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for UK politicians and lawyers

A.C. · 6 August 2025

Brilliant book on the threats of lawyers to and limitations of democracy. Especially relevant for modern Britain and a guide for future policies.

The Challenges of Democracy: And the Rule of Law

Product ID: K1805222503
Condition: New

4.7

BHD1215

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

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Order today to get by

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Imported From: United Kingdom

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The Challenges of Democracy: And the Rule of Law

Product ID: K1805222503
Condition: New

4.7

Type: Hardcover

BHD1215

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by

Free delivery on orders over BHD 20

Return and refund policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At bolo.bh, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.

We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.bh is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.

Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

bolo.bh operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of Bahrain. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in Bahrain are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

'A timely red alert that democratic values cannot be taken for granted' The Times
'Incisive and eloquent' The Telegraph

A TIMES TOP LEGAL READ 2025

Across the globe, democracy is in crisis - in the UK alone, it has been rocked by Brexit, the pandemic and successive attempts by governments to bypass legal norms. But how did this happen, and where might we go from here?

Jonathan Sumption cuts through the political noise with acute analysis of the state of democracy today - from the vulnerabilities of international law to the deepening suppression of democracy activism in Hong Kong, and from the complexities of human rights legislation to the defence of freedom of speech. Timely, incisive and wholly original,
Challenges of Democracy applies the brilliance of 'the cleverest man in Britain' to the most urgent and far-reaching political issue of our day.

Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to defend democracy and freedom!

K.S. · 26 February 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Concisely argued and supremely logical. The book comprises the text of updated lectures at various venues; there are four sections: Politics and the State; Law in Our Lives; The International Dimension of Law and Freedom of Speech.Climate change is viewed as the greatest threat to democracy and perhaps the planet. The rise of extremism and intolerance in the U.K. is discussed. Sumption mounts a strong argument against the imposition of lockdowns but since they were introduced into the U.K. with legal force, he believes Pandora’s Box has been opened and predicts the possibility of a Hobbesian state.Hong Kong is discussed in detail - too much detail for me - but the message is clear. Hong Kong is moving toward totalitarianism reflecting the situation in China.The ECHR and the Human Rights Act are discussed but he stresses the supremacy of a sovereign Parliament in Britain and accepts that legal judgements from outwith the UK have affected UK practice and policy leading to discontent from right-wing politicians.In the Rule of Law, we learn about the ‘thin’ and ‘thick’ definitions. The latter currently prevails where the law is viewed as not only a framework for decision-making but also an active agent for social improvement. He identifies, persuasively in my view, two fundamental categories of rights that are intrinsic. Firstly, freedom of choice and freedom from violence and secondly freedom of thought, expression, assembly and association. Let democracy and the political process settle the rest.In The President’s Crimes he argues unequivocally that in Trump v U.S. the Supreme Court divided 6:3 on political grounds to award Trump immunity from criminal prosecution if the President was carrying out official duties while in office. Sumption demolishes the arguments of the Republican judges.When he goes on to examine the international dimension of the law, he concludes that withdrawal from the ECHR is in the best interests of democracy in the UK. He views the ECHR as a law unto itself and predicts that it will expand its all-embracing empire still further. Institutions like the ICC and and ICJ have a place in maintaining law and order in international relations.In Chapter X Mission Creep: Article 6 of the Human Rights Convention, Sumption appears to establish beyond reasonable doubt that judgements of the court exceed their remit and generate needless difficulties and prolonged debates with only lawyers benefiting from their generous remunerations.In considering how interests of the EU and the nation state may conflict, Sumption analyses in detail how the application of EU law may be tempered by courts in nation states. Usually, such limitations are linked to the Constitution of the nation state. In conclusion, he states that there is as yet no overarching European identity to replace the national identities of member states. Therefore, conflicts that cannot be resolved legally must be resolved politically.In the last section, Sumption focuses on freedom of speech and on the false dogma promulgated by such politically-motivated organisations as Black Lives Matter and Stonewall. A false philosophy infects most of our institutions including centres of academia. He sums it all up rather nicely. We cannot have truth without accommodating error. We must be allowed to say things that some might regard as foolish, hurtful or untrue. Only then will civilisation advance and flourish. Free speech is worth fighting for.This book is, in effect, an excellent defence of democracy and freedom. Reasoned analysis concisely expressed displaying a huge breadth of knowledge and understanding. Some sections will test your comprehension but this book is well worth reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and thought-provoking

G.S. · 23 August 2025

An excellent and thought-provoking defence of free speech. Highly necessary in today’s intolerant world, where the “wrong” views are enough to destroy your life. Strongly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes you think

R.D. · 12 April 2025

A thought provoking series of essays that pushes back against many widely accepted views of modern life.A great writer who puts his views across very well.

5.0 out of 5 stars My review.

I.M. · 4 April 2025

It is a perfect antidote to the follies of the age.

5.0 out of 5 stars a good read

W.W. · 27 August 2025

thought provoking

5.0 out of 5 stars expertise plus.

D.J. · 14 March 2025

Great writing by someone who knows.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Analyses

B. · 24 June 2025

I liked the brilliant clear analyses and supporting data of each of the topics tackled. Well done Jonathan Sumption. Sir.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for UK politicians and lawyers

A.C. · 6 August 2025

Brilliant book on the threats of lawyers to and limitations of democracy. Especially relevant for modern Britain and a guide for future policies.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

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