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London, United Kingdom
As one of the '99%' of the UK populace, I am not affluent. I work hard & dream of better days. This blog is my soapbox to comment on the news, injustice & issues which anger or enrage me. All comments & images copyright Blair Menachi

Thursday, 26 May 2011

Is the legal system overdue for a check-up?

The current legal system is maintained and regulated by MP's, lawyers and judges; individuals whose power, position, privilege and affluence ensure they remain least likely to suffer from crime. Moreover, it's becoming increasingly clear that the legal system is no longer capable of coping with the current pace of social change. And undoubtedly social disparity feeds into this downward spiral. Those in control of the system, increasingly blind to current realities, are imposing inappropriate solutions to growing problems. Suppression of free speech by super-injunctions to enable behavioral impunity shows how Britain is moving backwards contrasting with the Arab spring demonstrating a giant step forward against oppression.

The legal system is long-overdue for a re-vamp. Those most likely to suffer from crime should be driving change in the legal system, not sidelined and discounted. Although I wholly oppose police brutality, alleged criminals whose rights are infringed during legal processing are victims. Guilt and innocence should not be confused with protocol infringements or technicalities. A rape victim can't play a 'get out of council tax for-free card' by being a victim of rape so why do we offer a get out of criminal accountability to those accused of crime in case of technicalities or police brutality? Why don't victims of crime have a voice in determining sentencing? I'm not suggesting they represent the only voice, but to deny them the opportunity to have their say makes them a victim again, this time by the system which is allegedly designed to protect and assist them.

Sometimes sorry simply isn't good enough. MP's, lawyers and judges all need to be accountable for their actions. Without a statute of limitations on accountability. These are well-paid positions of power and responsibility. If those in these positions are afraid of making decisions due to potential accountability for their actions, perhaps more thought would go into the decision process.

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