When Gillian Hussey started out in Bridewell District Court in 1984, little did she realise that she would deal with some of the most notorious criminals in Ireland, including the Kinahans, the Cahills, 'The Monk' and John Gilligan.

As one of Ireland's first female judges, Gillian was very much a woman in a man's world. Unafraid to look beyond the courtroom, she always sought to better understand the human – not just the criminal – who stood before her in the dock. Through her work, Gillian spent a lifetime learning about people, society and herself.

This fascinating insight into the career of a trailblazing woman reveals the inner workings of Ireland's criminal courts, explores the changes in Irish society and shares some timeless truths learned from almost twenty years on the bench.