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Malcolm Fowler
OpinionDangers of the default mode
Catherine Baksi’s report on the remotely conducted court hearing (8 April) is a crucial contribution to the detailed debate we really must have in preparation for the post-coronavirus legal landscape we all crave and need to work towards. Lest remote hearings might then too readily become the default position, here ...
OpinionParole Board independence reaffirmed
I have previously identified the unqualified necessity for the independence of action and decision-making of the Parole Board to remain intact in the wake of the furore over the John Worboys case.
OpinionRevered leader
‘Slow to anger, swift to praise.’ The line from Tennyson came to mind on having learned of past-president Paul Marsh’s death.
OpinionBoard decision
If victims are to have reader access to challenge Parole Board decisions, offenders must too.
OpinionNo charter for burglars
One Gazette reader says 'it is impossible to improve upon the long-established application of the law of self-defence.'
OpinionBe careful what you wish for
If we are to avoid open season on its decisions, the Parole Board must survive Worboys with the crucial test of safety for release intact.
OpinionNow hear this: live is best
Malcolm Fowler is weary of the issues to arise from a ’rush towards video and other remote hearing formats’.
OpinionWorboys: searching questions
For the Parole Board to have its vital independence of decision-making diluted would be bad news for our handling of offender rehabilitation.
OpinionTechnology is no silver bullet
Technology was, is and must always remain a tool leading to effective and better delivery of justice, rather than some panacea.
OpinionPrison shame
It is a source of immense pride to me and I am sure to many other Law Society members that solicitors such as the redoubtable Laura Janes continue to play a pivotal role in the endeavours of the Howard League for Penal Reform on behalf of the rights of offenders.
OpinionMinisterial machismo
Additional, unproductive expense of longer court hours would quash what little public support there is for the plan.
- Opinion
Gender and rehabilitation
I agree with J Howard Shelley (letters, 10 April). On prisons and prison policy, it is without question right that gender considerations and concerns must go towards informing the treatment of and efforts to rehabilitate all inmates. That said, it is equally important that it should remain just one of ...
- Opinion
Brexit, judges and the rule of law: make a stand
We must stand up and be counted for democratic maturity.
- Opinion
Iraq: in defence of our raison d’être
I was proud to have Phil Shiner as a constituent. But for his efforts, many a vulnerable client would never have secured justice.
- Opinion
No respect for interpretation
Claims over respecting interpreters’ human rights will remain hollow – unless there are changes.
- Opinion
Stealth tax on defendants
It is contrary to natural justice for an additional sanction to be applied over and above each defendant’s just deserts.