More praise for

LIFE WITHOUT LAWYERS

“Howard . . . aims to restore responsibility and reliability to the American legal system for the betterment of society. He doesn’t just critique the modern legal system in America, he also offers a framework for improvement.”

—Forbes.com

“Howard has important ideas for reform—in fact, at this point probably more people than not agree with him on most of the issues the book covers.”

—The Daily Beast

“Howard, a longtime legal reformer who once worked for Al Gore, sketches a vision that is radical but far from far-fetched—and has far fewer people threatening: ‘I’ll see you in court.’ Don’t expect an ABA endorsement. But Howard’s Shakespearean proposal really should launch a thoughtful debate.”

—Newsday

“The rule of law is a wonderful thing, as anyone who has visited countries ruled by the whims of the powerful can attest. But you can have too much of a wonderful thing. And America has far too much law, argues Mr. Howard in a new book, Life Without Lawyers.”

—The Economist

“Howard has performed an important service in emphasising the limits of law and legal rights. . . . An intensely human affirmation of the need for personal judgment, accountability and authority to act effectively.”

—Irish Times

“Using dramatic stories to illustrate his points, Howard describes education and healthcare systems so bound by rules, policies, and laws that teachers and doctors are incapable of acting according to their best professional judgment.”

—Library Journal

“Philip Howard’s Life Without Lawyers hits the nail on the head—incoherent legalities stultify necessary change and frustrate attempts to use common sense in solving the problems that face our country. This is a real wake-up call from one of America’s finest public minds.”

—Bill Bradley, former U.S. senator

“Life Without Lawyers is a refreshing dose of common sense for legal reform. But beyond lamenting what is wrong, Howard presents a must-read, inspirational vision of a system where freedom and decision-making and judgment are restored to the individual.”

—Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House of Representatives

“Howard asks questions that cut to the core of our civil society, questions that have the potential to build consensus among Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. He offers valuable, big picture ideas for how we can solve entrenched problems—especially a broken health care system and failing public schools—and rescue America from a political culture that is undermining our national greatness.”

—Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City

“Philip Howard explains with clarity, grace and insight how courts and regulators have narrowed the freedom of doctors, teachers, public officials and many others. This is a thoughtful plea for common sense, and a practical plan to achieve a better balance.”

—Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University