Letter: Locking up `killers'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Locking up `killers'
Sir: It is significant that the Government has proposals which involve imprisonment of psychopaths without trial, before it has in place a Bill of Rights and a Freedom of Information Act.
A government which controls the funding of an institution where such people are detained and those who make the decisions on detention can easily pressurise those involved. It has happened in other countries, usually condemned for the contempt of human rights.
The safeguards of an appeals system and regular reviews are illusory, if those detained do not have access to legal representation and the funds to call expert witnesses. The Government is currently proposing drastic cuts in the availability of legal aid.
British justice has never been noted for generosity to those whose convictions are subsequently quashed. Will the Government be ensuring generous treatment to those whose detention turns out to be wrongful?
Will the remedies of habeas corpus and actions for damages for false imprisonment, supported by legal aid, be available to those detained?
These and other questions posed in you correspondence columns demand answers, before legislation is brought before Parliament.
MAYNARD HALL
Wigton, Cumbria
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments