How does one become a judge? How are cases decided? How do judges assess the truthfulness of witnesses? What is it really like to be a judge? In Madam Justice, Judge Suzanne Handman offers a candid and insightful exploration of life on the Bench, answering the questions she was most often asked during her career. Drawing from her own journey to the Bench, Handman takes readers behind the scenes, revealing the challenges of presiding over everything from Small Claims Court to complex legal cases.
The book offers a unique glimpse into the justice system, highlighting both compelling and challenging cases Handman encountered. It also explores broader issues such as access to justice, the limits on judges' personal lives, and their ethical responsibilities. Additionally, it uncovers the inner workings of the court, touching on closed hearings for mental health cases and the rare instances when judges face disciplinary action for ethical breaches.
Written in an engaging, accessible style, Madam Justice provides readers a rare opportunity to understand the judicial process from the inside. It reveals how decisions are made, how judges assess witness credibility, and the often-overlooked aspects of the judicial system. This remarkable memoir demystifies the judicial process and deepens our understanding of the vital role judges play in upholding justice.
By:
Suzanne Handman
Imprint: University of Toronto Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions:
Height: 216mm,
Width: 140mm,
Spine: 16mm
Weight: 360g
ISBN: 9781487569464
ISBN 10: 1487569467
Pages: 188
Publication Date: 29 October 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Primary
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Acknowledgments Introduction 1. The Beginning 2. Becoming a Judge 3. The Quebec Labour Court 4. Off the Deep End into the Court of Quebec 5. My Life as a Judge: In Court 6. Important Cases, Lawyers, and Litigants 7. Communication 8. Finding Support 9. My Life as a Judge: Outside of Court 10. Credibility 11. Finding Fairness 12. Access to Justice 13. Small Claims Court 14. Judging Judges 15. Sexism, Discrimination, and Change 16. The Emotional Cost of Law 17. The Road to Mediation and Resolving Conflicts 18. The End of a Career Index About the Author
Suzanne Handman is a retired judge from the Court of Quebec and currently serves on the board of directors of the International Mediation Council.
