We like to imagine that death is the end of things. The body rests, the disputes settle, and history quietly moves on. But again and again, societies have shown themselves unwilling to let their dead lie undisturbed. Corpses have been exhumed, reputations retried, and sentences delivered long after the grave was sealed. The dead mayContinue reading “When the Dead Are Put on Trial”
Tag Archives: criminal justice system
Immigration Lawyers Targeted As Far Right Wave Hits UK
Recent incidents have heightened hostility towards immigration and refugees, notably exacerbated by the tragic murder of three young girls in Southport and the attack on police officers at Manchester Airport. Far-right commentators have fuelled disinformation and incited violence, leading to arson attacks on hotels and the Sunderland Citizens Advice Bureau, with mobs now targeting aid and support organisations. Coordinated demonstrations against immigration firms and support groups are being planned, prompting legal authorities to emphasise the severe consequences for those involved in such criminal activities.
Labour’s Landslide Victory – The NRI Call For Government Commitments
The Labour Party achieved a significant landslide victory, taking over 400 seats and securing a strong majority for the next five years. This shift is seen as a potential positive change after 14 years of Tory rule, with key cabinet appointments inspiring hope for progressive governance. However, the new majority also grants Labour the power to pass or repeal laws at will, which raises concerns about potential regressive legislation, similar to past Tory policies that restricted free speech and the right to protest. The article calls on the new government to commit to a series of progressive actions, including repealing controversial acts, addressing social issues like homelessness and education, and improving the NHS and criminal justice system. The future depends on holding the government accountable to these commitments to ensure a just and prosperous society.
Victory For Conscience – High Court Rules Jurors Can Be Informed Of Power To Nullify
The recent High Court ruling upheld jurors’ right to acquit defendants based on conscience, reinforcing the principle of jury nullification. Trudi Warner’s case, involving her informing jurors of this right during a trial, was dismissed by Mr. Justice Saini, who emphasized juror autonomy and the importance of public awareness about their rights. The decision serves as a crucial precedent, affirming jury nullification as a safeguard against injustice and a form of civil disobedience against unjust laws. Critics argue it undermines the rule of law, but proponents assert it upholds foundational principles of justice and serves as a check on state power. Recent cases, including those involving climate change protestors, have demonstrated the use of jury nullification to challenge perceived moral wrongs, reflecting evolving legal norms and societal values.
Out of Sight, Out of Rights – The UK’s Controversial Prisoner Transfer Plans
In response to the escalating crisis of prison overcrowding, the UK government’s proposed measures, notably the Sentencing Bill 2023-24 and the contentious aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill 2023-24 that envisage transferring prisoners to foreign nations, have ignited substantial controversy. These strategies, intended to alleviate the burgeoning inmate population, have been met with strong opposition due to their disregard for fundamental human rights and the potential for inhumane treatment abroad. Opponents contend that such approaches not only overlook the root causes of overcrowding but also risk worsening the conditions for prisoners by exposing them to environments where their rights and dignity are in grave jeopardy, highlighting the pressing need for humane and effective reforms within the UK’s criminal justice framework.
The Quiet Revolution – Should Jurors Defy The Law?
When the rule of law clashes with societal conscience, jury nullification stands as a potent testament to this tension. Drawing from historic cases like that of Clive Ponting, jurors have occasionally acquitted defendants, even when evidence points to guilt, guided by broader moral or societal beliefs. This “Quiet Revolution” poses pivotal questions: Can jurors reshape our understanding of justice, and should they be explicitly granted the power to challenge established legal norms?
Justice at Gunpoint? Why Forcing Defendants To Attend Court Is A Slippery Slope
The debate over whether defendants should be forced to attend their sentencing has intensified following the refusal of the notorious serial killer, Lucy Letby, and the killers of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel. While there’s a strong public sentiment supporting mandatory court attendance for sentencing, especially in heinous crimes, concerns arise over the potential for this to infringe on human rights and disrupt court proceedings. It’s essential to ensure that the pursuit of justice does not compromise the foundational principles of human rights and liberties, even for those deemed the most reprehensible in society.
“How Can You Defend Criminals?” – The Question Asked Of Every Lawyer
The presumption of innocence is a foundational principle in justice systems, with every individual deemed innocent until proven guilty. Legal representation is crucial in ensuring fairness, preventing wrongful convictions, and upholding the integrity of the legal process, emphasising that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or means.
A Crisis Behind Bars – England and Wales’s Prisons and the Alarming Human Rights Implications
England and Wales’s prison system faces severe overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, with many facilities failing to provide humane treatment, despite warnings from various oversight bodies over the years. This crisis, marked by a rise in deaths, self-harm, and assaults, indicates a potential breach of international human rights standards, emphasising an urgent need for systemic reform that prioritises inmate safety, rehabilitation, and human dignity.
Too Young To Be A Criminal?
This blog post explores the dilemma of how society should address cases where children become perpetrators of alarming crimes. It discusses different perspectives on the Age of Criminal Responsibility (ACR), examining arguments for both lowering and raising the ACR, as well as alternative approaches such as restorative justice practices and education/prevention programs. The post emphasises the importance of finding a balance between accountability and rehabilitation for young offenders while creating a fair and just system.
Nightingale Rights Initiative 