Judicial Deliberations

Abstract

Judicial Deliberations: A Comparative Analysis of Judicial Transparency and Legitimacy (2004) by Mitchel de S.-O.-l’E. Lasser is a critical and in-depth examination of judicial deliberation dynamics within three major legal systems: the United States, France, and the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Lasser explores how each system shapes, conceals, or expresses the internal deliberation process of judges, and how these practices impact the legitimacy of judicial institutions in the eyes of the public. Through a narrative approach and discursive analysis, Lasser demonstrates that deliberation is not merely a decision-making mechanism but also an institutional strategy for managing power, authority, and transparency. This book opens a new avenue for reflection on the relationship between the form of deliberation, legal culture, and public trust in the judiciary within the context of modern democracy and supranational integration. This review delves into Lasser’s key ideas, compares deliberative practices across the three jurisdictions, and highlights the implications for contemporary judicial reform and legitimacy discourse.