Defence Of A Harsh Judge (Press, 23 July 1977)

The biography "Goddard: A Biography" by Fenton Bresler, with a foreword by Lord Denning, focuses on the life and career of Rayner Goddard, a prominent figure in British law. Although Goddard, a lawyer and judge, had a long and successful career, he largely remained unnoticed outside his professional realm until becoming the Lord Chief Justice of England in 1946. His tenure in this role lasted twelve years and significantly shaped public perception of him, making him a controversial figure, which takes up a substantial portion of Bresler’s book. Goddard was educated at Marlborough and Oxford and was admitted to the bar around the turn of the 20th century. He built a successful legal practice before ascending to the Bench and eventually reaching the House of Lords in 1944. During his time as Lord Chief Justice, Goddard became known for his old-fashioned and stern views. He openly supported flogging, capital punishment, and strict consequences for homosexual conduct. His advocacy in Parliamentary debates played a pivotal role in maintaining capital punishment in England until 1965. Throughout his judicial career, Goddard presided over several notable and sensational cases, including the libel action involving Laski, the sentencing of Klaus Fuchs, and the highly publicised trial of Craig and Bentley. The latter case, where Bentley was sentenced to death while Craig received a lesser sentence due to his age, raised significant questions regarding Goddard’s judicial approach and tactics. Bresler’s account benefits from the cooperation of Goddard's family but is scrutinised for potential bias; despite claims of impartiality, the biography reflects substantial flattery and a defensive tone regarding Goddard's legacy, especially in light of Bernard Levin's critical assessment published shortly after Goddard's death. Levin accused Goddard of obstructing penal reform and highlighted his harshness and ignorance in understanding human behaviour. While Bresler does acknowledge some of Levin’s criticisms, he defends Goddard by emphasizing his dedication, work ethic, and a few constructive proposals during his career. However, he does not shy away from noting Goddard's reactionary stances and impatience, particularly during trials, where his emotional language and apparent bias could raise eyebrows today. For instance, in the contentious Craig and Bentley case, Goddard’s comments to the jury about the defendants relied on emotional conjecture rather than solid evidence. Though Bresler crafts an engaging narrative about Goddard’s life, the portrayal remains complex, revealing a figure who, while proficient in his legal duties, occasionally lacked the decorum and impartiality expected at his judicial level. The biography ultimately underscores a man whose contributions to the legal field were substantial but marred by controversies surrounding his methods and ideologies.

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