The Magistrate S Tale

When Trevor Grove was called up for Jury service he became so intrigued with the justice system that he wrote a successful book about it - The Juryman's Tale. Now he's joined the magistracy and gives a fascinating, funny and insightful account of just how the magistracy works at a time of great change. Lay magistrates deal with more than 95 per cent of all criminal cases in England and Wales, yet they are all volunteers, drawn from local communities, with no legal training or special qualifications, and are not paid a penny for what they do. Astonishingly little is known about what it is like to serve as a magistrate. (Each year 5,000 people apply to become magistrates; only 25 per cent are successful.) This book is the first for many years to shed light on the experience. Interweaving his own personal experience of becoming a magistrate in north London with general observations, relevant interviews and a little history, Trevor Grove takes us on a fascinating journey into this extraordinary and unique institution. He has visited courts all over the country to talk to magistrates and observe how crimes and criminals differ from region to region, and how the 'benches' dealing with them differ too. He has visited jails and Young Offenders' Institutions and he has interviewed all of the principal players, from the Lord Chief Justice and Home Secretary, to more integral characters such as justices' clerks, ushers, probation officers, local police and offenders. His journey uncovers a remarkable act of national faith in the good sense of ordinary people, which says a great deal more about the strength and health of our democracy than is sufficiently appreciated.

Indian Battles and Adventures - The Boys' Book written by Alexander Vietts Blake and John Lauris Blake, is an enthralling literary effort. The book elucidates a sweeping compilation of chronicles and anecdotes, recognizing remarkable battles and escapades that transpired during India's progress. By probing the depths of their studies, the writers adroitly coalesce chronicles of fortitude, tactics, and cultural intermingling, endowing enthusiasts with a profound comprehension of the occurrences that configured India's bygone era. Captivating narratives await readers within the pages of this book, jumping from legendary battles like the Siege of Seringapatam to explorers and conquerors, such as Alexander the Great and Mahmud of Ghazni. Extraordinary tales of adventurers who traversed the Indian subcontinent, including Marco Polo, are also included. This book breathes new life into the historical events and figures, making them relatable and accessible.

Richard Dunn reconstructs the lives of three generations of slaves on a sugar estate in Jamaica and a plantation in Virginia, to understand the starkly different forms slavery took. Deadly work regimens and rampant disease among Jamaican slaves contrast with population expansion in Virginia leading to the selling of slaves and breakup of families.

Henry Peterson weaves a captivating tale in 'Dulcibel: A Tale of Old Salem', which transports readers to the fateful year of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. Amidst a prosperous community, a series of trials unfold, exposing the accusations, detentions, and punishments faced by those accused of witchcraft. While the story blends fact and fiction, it incorporates real historical figures, shedding light on the chilling reality of the time. Peterson's evocative nineteenth-century prose brings this dark chapter to life, delving into the social and political climate that fueled the witch hunts.