The Practice of Judging

What is it like to be a judge? Is judging an art, or is there a method to it? Can anyone, whatever their background, be taught to do it well? These are the central questions of this highly accessible book.

Sir Peter Coulson, who has sat at almost every level from Recorder to the Court of Appeal, argues that what he calls ‘judgecraft’ can be learned through experience, and that it can also be taught.

The Practice of Judging pulls back the curtain to show how the modern judge really thinks, with forthright guidance on the actual experience of judging: managing a courtroom, handling counsel, writing a judgment, passing sentence. It is also unflinching about what judging costs and what the system now lacks, from crumbling courts to the pressures on those who work in them. Coulson writes with candour, directness and self-deprecation, and his ‘ten rules for beginners’ – from ‘be yourself’ to ‘be kind’ – are deeply human.

The book is for anyone who wants to become a judge; for serving judges, because even the most experienced can learn from colleagues; for barristers who want to know how judges actually reach their decisions; and for all those interested in the judicial process, including law students, academics and the general public.

Sir Peter Coulson is a passionate evangelist for the life of the judge. It is, he writes, ‘quite simply, the best job in the world’.

The book will very soon be available for pre-order and a link will appear here.

Praise for The Practice of Judging

‘This book, packed with practical wisdom and guidance delivered in the no-nonsense style Peter Coulson has made his own, is the “phone-a-friend” companion that every new judge needs. His “ten rules for beginners” are destined to be pinned on judicial noticeboards up and down the land.’ — His Honour Judge Nigel Bird, London Circuit Commercial Court

‘Peter Coulson has drawn on the deep well of his experience to tease out lessons for others who would do the fascinating but challenging work of judging. As in his judicial work, he refuses to conform to the well-worn stereotypes. He lays out his thoughts with self-­awareness, modesty, economy, clarity and wit. A fine raconteur, he resists the temptation to indulge himself, using anecdotes sparingly to illustrate his themes – including ‘Things not to do’. This is invaluable reading for any judge, not just those starting out in the role. I cannot recommend it highly enough.’ — Sir Mark Warby, President of the King’s Bench Division

‘Despite the author’s protestations to the contrary, there are few people better placed to write this book. Sir Peter Coulson’s unrivalled experience as a judge is a sufficient qualification in itself, but of even more significance is his combination of thoughtfulness and an ability to communicate. It is no accident that for many years Coulson LJ (as he will soon cease to be), Coulson J (2008–2017), and, I guess, both HHJ Coulson QC (2004–2008) and Mr Recorder Coulson (2001–2004) have all been someone other judges turn to in order to ask for help. I certainly did. There was a time when samizdat copies of his Top Tips were circulating amongst judges, so if it does nothing else, this book – or at least chapter 8 – will allow everyone to benefit from having access to those.’ — from the book’s foreword, written by The Right Honourable Sir Colin Birss

‘The Practice of Judging joins a distinguished library of existing works by judges and commentators about what it is to be a judge. However, it approaches its subject from a very different perspective from what has come before. … The book opens the green baize door onto how the modern judge really thinks and offers forthright and practical guidance on the actual experience of judging. It is aimed primarily at those who have been, or hope soon to be, appointed to the judiciary. While I fit into neither category, I nonetheless found it a fascinating book, for two reasons. First, because of the intrinsic interest of the subject matter. But second, from a professional perspective, because it took me much closer to the judicial worldview than any other book I have read, and it will, I hope, affect positively the way I present cases in the future. ‘ — from the book’s afterword, written by Thomas Grant KC

Sir Peter Coulson practised at the Bar for twenty-two years, specializing in construction and professional negligence, and took silk in 2001. He then sat for twenty-five years as a Recorder, a Senior Circuit Judge sitting in the TCC, a High Court Judge and a Lord Justice of Appeal, retiring from the bench in October 2026. He is the author of Coulson on Construction Adjudication, as well as two further books as author or editor, and he has contributed to a fourth. He lives in London and Sheffield. (Author photo courtesy of Liz Isles Photography.)