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Time to rebalance the scales?

02 February 2018 / David Locke
Issue: 7779 / Categories: Opinion
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David Locke warns against the rush to abandon due process

If justice is a moveable feast, then due process is the only protection for individuals against the volatility of public opinion and those who depend upon popular support for their authority. We would do well to remember that in every real and imagined dystopian nightmare, it is the removal of due process which paves the way for the imposition of authoritarian control.

Defining justice

What is justice? Once you think you have a definition, contrive a hypothetical situation and put it to 12 of your peers. Ask them to explain what they consider would be a just outcome. Do this individually so there is no peer pressure and the chances are that you will get 12 different answers. At that point, noting the temptation to simply substitute your own judgment in the matter, return to the opening question and ask yourself once again: what is justice?

The exercise might persuade you that justice is just a mirage, always shifting gently and out of reach.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Firm grows international bench with expanded UK partner class

Shakespeare Martineau—six appointments

Shakespeare Martineau—six appointments

Firm makes major statement in the capital with strategic growth at The Shard

Myers & Co—Jess Latham

Myers & Co—Jess Latham

Residential conveyancing team expands with solicitor hire

NEWS
One in five in-house lawyers suffer ‘high’ or ‘severe’ work-related stress, according to a report by global legal body, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
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