Osgoode Digital Commons

Submission Title

Knowledge of the World and the Act of Judging

Authors

Robin Jacob

Document Type

Lecture

English Abstract

In this lecture the author notes that in order for judges to be seen to dispense justice they must possess a developed understanding of the world. This has important implications for how judges are to be chosen as well as whether, and if so how they are to be trained. Judges appointed from the bar will likely have a greater knowledge of the world, while a more inclusive, open and diverse selection procedure will enhance the prospect that justice will be perceived to be done. Judicial training, in turn, may increase judge’s knowledge of the world, or at least the perception that justice is being done. Ultimately, knowledge of the world is a personal pursuit whose end lies in the ability to identify with the other – an instrumentally useful ability for a judge, and an inherently worthwhile activity for any person.

Citation Information

Jacob, Robin. "Knowledge of the World and the Act of Judging." Osgoode Hall Review of Law and Policy 2.1 (2014): 22-28.
https://digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/ohrlp/vol2/iss1/2

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