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24 November 2016 / Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
Issue: 7724 / Categories: Opinion , Profession
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The right to disagree

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We have a duty to defend & debate judicial independence & the rule of law, as Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC explains

John F Kennedy said: “Liberty without learning is always in peril and learning without liberty is always in vain.” I don’t agree entirely. Learning is always valuable, but I do agree that liberty is at risk, or in peril, without learning. As individuals, citizens and as lawyers, we have a responsibility to ensure that there is an awareness of, and appreciation for, the justice system in the UK. It is not easy to value something that is not understood.

As lawyers we occasionally take for granted that people understand how our justice system works, how judges reach their decisions, and the role advocates play in the process. Our justice system is not perfect, but it is among the best, and as a society we run the risk of taking for granted that it will continue to function.

We are fortunate: our judges will do what we ask of them, deciding cases brought to the

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