A must read, especially for those interested in how the law hurts those in society most at risk.

Alexandra Wilson manages to inform the reader without getting into heavy and confusing legal jargon. I felt for so many of the defendants spoken about in this book, and how so many of them needed help not a criminal charge.

If anything I'd say the rhetoric in this book is too lenient in its interpretation of outdated laws, institutionally racist police, criminalisation of poverty and poor mental health, and chronic underfunding of services. The message is there, but perhaps saying it outright as a practicing barrister isn't possible without damaging your livelihood. I'm grateful that she is shining a light on the issues so that people can come to their own conclusions.

I'll also add that while the book goes into detail about the impacts of race, gender, socioeconomic status and disability (including mental health) on ending up in the legal system, LGBTQIA+ issues aren't even mentioned. Given the high rates of mental health issues and homelessness among the LGBTQIA+ community, I doubt there's not a connection.

Overall though Alexandra Wilson is an excellent writer and making strides for equal representation at the bar. I shall certainly be picking up any other books she comes out with in future.