In Court

Sam Coghlan was Deputy Director and Senior Consultant of the Thames Ontario Library Service Board, Southwestern Ontario.

In Court provides cameo portrayals of ten Canadian lawyers, including some biographical information. Although it is about persons, it is not a collection of biographies; although all ten are lawyers, it is not about the legal profession. The common denominator linking the ten lawyers is that they are all counsel, “courtroom lawyers,” rather than the more common desk-based lawyer expert in wills, real estate, or corporate law. Yet the book is as much about ten individuals as it is about counsel. In Court is a good book about both.

In Court contains ten fascinating, well-written, journalistic accounts of the author’s encounters with, and perceptions of, the ten counsel. Each lawyer is shown in the context of one case, either through Batten’s apparently eyewitness accounts or through reminiscences. Eight are criminal cases, one deals with libel and one with a negligence case. Nine counsel are men, the woman is a novice in this men’s profession. Five practise in Toronto, three in Vancouver, and one each in Winnipeg and Kitchener.

The length of the accounts ranges from three to more than 50 pages. Batten’s description of the dispute or crime behind each case reads like a short story. He generates and maintains interest while successfully covering the crucial legal issue. He has not written a how-to book for counsel; he has provided insight into the unique skills and attitudes necessary to be a successful counsel and the pressures incumbent upon such.

Batten admits that the ten people portrayed in his book are among his “favourite people.” They are not chosen because they represent any particular school or style. Only one, John Robinette, comes close to commanding any national recognition. But the book is worthwhile; it is interesting; and it may be a unique attempt to popularize the worth of Canadian counsel.