Judgement day :LETTER
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.From Dr Robert Stevens
Sir: I have no doubt that, in the abstract, both the Lord Chief Justice and Michael Beckman QC are right. "Quality should be the only" criterion for appointment to the bench (letter, 17 June).
Sadly, the political and legal systems do not operate in the abstract. As judges have acquired more power by extending the operation of judicial review, and as the operation of the European Union has forced judges to review English law for conformity to EU law, the political and social views of judges have become both more obvious and more important.
Now that the judiciary, led by the Lord Chief Justice, is demanding a Bill of Rights, their views (and prejudices) are going to shape the future of British politics. Before the Houses of Parliament agree to hand over a significant share of their sovereignty to the judiciary, they should make certain that they have a significant input into the choice of the judges.
Yours faithfully,
ROBERT STEVENS
Master
Pembroke College
Oxford
19 June
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments