Indefensible - by John Hyde (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Post Office Scandal is an indelible stain on the British justice system: hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly labelled criminals, ruining lives and destroying communities. But the real scandal was that the Post Office's lawyers knew the evidence was flawed but failed to act in their quest to defend a corporation. Why did they not stop it?

This book dives into how legal professionals failed in their duties, silenced the truth and even turned against the victims, including accounts from victims who were advised to enter guilty pleas. But this is not just about the Post Office -- this is a wider examination of the legal profession and its ethical boundaries, asking whether lawyers are putting clients' interests above justice and how to stop such a disaster from happening again.

Review Quotes

'A devastating critique of the lawyers involved in the Post Office scandal. The lay reader will be aghast at their actions. Every lawyer must read this book and resolve to learn its lessons.' Nick Wallis, author of The Great Post Office Scandal

'A compelling and meticulously researched examination of the Post Office scandal that lays bare the institutional failures, the culture of silence and complicity among lawyers, and the devastating human cost at the heart of one of Britain's gravest injustices.' Christopher Head OBE, former postmaster and campaigner

'A vital, forensic examination of the Post Office scandal, exposing legal and ethical failures, and demanding accountability, reform and reflection.' Fran Eccles-Bech, Manchester Law Society

'This accurate and extraordinarily well-written book sheds light on the behaviour of Post Office's in-house and external legal advisors, revealing much that they would doubtless prefer to have remained unseen.' Ron Warmington, Second Sight Investigations Ltd

'John Hyde continues his terrific work reporting for the Law Society Gazette with this riveting read on why lawyers are at the heart of the Post Office scandal.' Richard Moorhead, Monash University and University of Exeter

About the Author

John Hyde is one of the foremost legal journalists in the UK, with more than 15 years' experience in reporting on the legal industry. He was a leading commentator on the Post Office scandal and live blogged daily from the inquiry. He started his journalism career in local news and is a regular speaker on radio, podcasts and at conferences.