Fallen From Thy Lips

Author: Brendan Brown KC. Publisher: The Copy Press, 2026. Format: Print Law Library: Wellington

This book is in three parts, each of which stands on its own. Part one is anthological in nature, part two relates to the “judicial resolution of disputes” (as described by the author), and part three is a mélange of legal topics that took the author’s fancy.

My favourite is the first part and especially the chapter ‘For the Young at Heart: a trip through childhood with a legal lens’. Who knew the Brothers Grimm studied law or that the Pied Piper appears so often in it? The Wombles, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Pinocchio and even Harry Potter all feature. Classics fans will love the ‘Myths and Fables’ chapter. There’s a section devoted to Shakespeare and thespians and theatre goers will enjoy the ‘Stage and Screen’ chapter.

My pick from part two is ‘Playing by the Rules’, where judges cover some legal fundamentals in memorable and entertaining ways. This includes the importance of “common sense”, the rule of precedent, ratio decidendi and obiter dicta and “judges make law”.

In part three, the final chapter ‘May it Please the Court’ offers a window into advocacy: when to stop, how to interpret a judicial compliment (these nearly always include the word “succinct”), and how to reject an argument with diplomacy and wit. The examples of parrying between counsel and the bench are especially amusing.

Do not let the footnotes put you off. Far from being patronising as the author feared, they provide helpful elucidation. His admission of bending the style guide caused me slight palpitations, but he is right – it serves readability.

This book is like a warm, amusing meandering conversation on a summer afternoon: uplifting and a reminder of why you love your profession. I was unprepared for how much I enjoyed it and I kept picking it up to reread little witticisms. Sadly, I had to return it to the Law Society Library, but I’ll be buying my own copy.