ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the notion of ‘internal coherence’ and argues that most judges necessarily strive towards achieving such coherence. It provides a synopsis of the plot, focusing in particular on those aspects that intersect with our analysis of judicial integrity. The central protagonist in The Fall is an ex-lawyer who maintains that one must become a ‘professional penitent’ if one is to be a judge. Integrity, as a concept, is difficult to pin down as it may mean different things in different contexts. Reflecting on the purposes of their role in our political system and being ready to accept the implications of what they find is one step judges must take on the path towards achieving internal coherence. True integrity requires more than coherence of principle and coherence between principle and action; it demands internal coherence or a coherence between principle and motivation.
