Grumpy Level: Low to Medium
In a break with a tradition that hasn’t even started yet, my maiden blawg is about a film.
With some law in it.
But not UK law.
I’m not going to review The Conspirator, because that would take the fun out of going to see it yourself, but I am going to recommend it as essential viewing to anyone who ever doubts that universal human rights are an amazingly incredible thing.
This film illustrates what can occur from knee-jerk reactions in high-profile cases or in times of national emergency, and its message that an unfair trial does not provide true justice, is still very relevant. Whilst watching the film, I couldn’t help but feel very grateful to be under the protection of the art.6 of the ECHR which provides everyone the right to a fair trial, and would mean the farce that was portrayed in the film, would be unlikely to occur in the UK today.
However I started thinking about recent occasions of knee-jerk reactions that have compromised rights, and how political influence can be toxic to justice (I’m sure you can probably think of a few, so I won’t list any).
Politicians are accountable, therefore are concerned with representing people’s views in order to keep votes. But the public are fickle, often swayed by emotion, and if politicians want to tap into this, they may lose sight of what is just, in order to win approval. This is why I believe so passionately in our strong, independent judiciary, who are there to concern themselves only with the pursuit of justice (theoretically).
As the film demonstrates, independent judges are essential to the administration of justice, so I left the cinema contemplating on the inquiry into the Judicial Appointments Process that is currently ongoing, and on which I will say one thing…
By all means, ensure the Judiciary is representative of the public, but please don’t politicise them, or else they’ll become subject to the same whims and pressures as politicians, and chaos will ensue.
So incase you hadn’t guessed, this film was great food for thought on a Saturday night, (better than watching Transformers…) and reminded me of the importance of four things I already knew;
1. Judicial Independence is sacred.
2. The right to a fair trial is essential.
3. We’re lucky.
4. James McAvoy can act. Very well.
4. James McAvoy can act. Very well.
(This article received a low to medium grumpy level, because although knee jerking normally makes me incredibly grumpy, I softened as the film was pretty good with a stunning performance from James McAvoy)
