Preface: The Voice of Reason 1.The Written Judgment – Why Who, How 2. Writing that Persuades – Writing Robustly 3. From Chaos to clarity – Writing Tightly 4. Getting to the Point – Writing Precisely and Concisely 5. A Judicious tone – Writing with respect and Humility 6. The Writing Room – Judges at Work 7. From Bench to Browser – Judgment Writing for a Digital World 8. Reasoning and Responsibility – Authorship and AI Epilogue: When the Writing is Done Bibliography
Biography
Justin Yeo is the Executive Director of the Singapore Judicial College and a District Judge in Singapore.
‘The present book is unlike any other in this genre. It avoids the aridity of a mere manual and the abstractness of a theoretical text. It is both inspirational and practical. It is inspirational in capturing the spirit of judging and practical in providing valuable and contemporary guidance that will result in effective judgments whilst retaining the individual judge’s style and personality. It is a must read for all judges and anyone interested in the craft of judging.’
Justice Andrew Phang, Senior Judge and former Justice of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Singapore; Distinguished Professor of Law, Yong Pung How School of Law, Singapore Management University
‘This book explains in a clear and practical way, to judges, arbitrators, lawyers and the community at large, that fundamental characteristic of the administration of justice which is the practical implementation of the rule of law: the reasoned judgment. Properly articulated reasoning is critical because these decisions impact on people’s lives, livelihoods and finances. The author is to be congratulated for this not just erudite but practical book. It is timely and essential.’The Honourable Geoffrey Ma GBM, Former Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal
‘This is an extraordinary book, filled with wisdom and inspiration for jurists everywhere. It explores and explains the guiding tributaries of judgment-writing and why clarity and integrity are the transcendent principles. It will be an instant classic.’Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella CC FRSC, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada (retired); Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School
‘A judgment isn’t just a decision, but also a public reasoning that gives it legitimacy and builds public trust in the judiciary. Crafting this “voice of reason” therefore, is a necessity. This book wonderfully deep dives into this theme. Thereafter, in an exceptional and fascinating manner, it guides in skilling this art. Drawn from his personal experience, also covering digital technology, Justin provides, in a lucid style, important tools and usefully curated practical suggestions (with do’s and don’ts), which are pearls of wisdom having universal appeal, making it a must read for every judge, to be better equipped. This book is service to the judicial community across the world, for which Justin needs a big applause.’Justice Arjan Sikri, Justice of the Supreme Court of India (retired); International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court; International Arbitrator and Mediator
‘Justin Yeo’s book on judgment-writing is insightful, illuminating and thought-provoking. It will benefit judges at every stage of their career. I wish I had been able to read it when I first became a judge: it would have been an immensely helpful springboard. I am glad I have had the chance to read it now. Good judges are forever striving to write better judgments: to speak more clearly, accessibly and persuasively to our many audiences. This elegantly crafted book will be an invaluable companion in that quest.’Justice David Goddard, Former Judge of the New Zealand Court of Appeal; International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court; Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne Law School
‘Justin Yeo’s The Voice of Reason is an invaluable guide to any jurist seeking to master the craft of clear and effective judgment writing. He makes a timely scholarly contribution, confronting the moment of our digital age with an examination of how generative AI intersects with the judgment writing process.’Justice Kwek Mean Luck, Judge of the High Court, Supreme Court of Singapore; Chair of the Board of Governors, Singapore Judicial College
‘A marvellous treasure trove of powerful insights and invaluable tips for any judge or arbitrator grappling with the task of writing a judgment or award. Based on his long experience, Justin Yeo rails (rightly) against the awfulness of, for example, “block quotes”, “judicial ventriloquism”, the “kitchen sink approach” and “linguistic clutter”; and, above all, helps mark the path to judgments/awards which are, or should be, a model of clarity based on sound reasoning.’Justice Sir Henry Bernard Eder KC, Former Judge of the High Court of England and Wales; International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court, International Arbitrator and Mediator
‘This book, appropriately titled The Voice of Reason, presents a learned and yet accessible blueprint on the craft of judgment writing. The author has drawn upon his considerable experience and interest in the art and science of judgment writing to put together a title that is surely required reading for every aspiring (or even sitting) judge. Jurists and practitioners, too, will find much to gain from these pages.’The Honourable Goh Yihan SC, Deputy Attorney-General of Singapore
‘It was with much pleasure and great admiration that I read Justin Yeo’s excellent book, The Voice of Reason. Justin brings to the book his unique blend of many years’ experience both on the bench and in the classroom. He is a beautiful writer and compelling storyteller, with an extraordinary ability to bring clarity and accessibility to the highly technical and earnest craft of judgment writing. This book will be an invaluable resource to judges and judicial educators across the globe.’Professor Natalie Skead, Dean, Singapore Judicial College; Professor of Law, University of Western Australia
