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What Justice?home Judge for Yourself Book Review Matt Baker @ The Big Issue 14th November 2004 There's been some impressive noises in recent months about the modernisation of the criminal justice system. Reforms are well under way, court technology and the way in which evidence can be given through video links is improving rapidly and public confidence in British justice is said to be returning. But of course, all these Government messages come without the following caveat. It's 2004 and possible that you could get locked up in Britain for a crime you did not commit. Anyone who doubts this should read LA Naylor's remarkable analysis of a catalogue of appalling mistakes. Judge for Yourself not only picks gaping holes in the criminal justice system but also drives home these failings and the arrogance of those that refuse to acknowledge them by showing the human cost. The lost lives, shattered families and the brave and bewildered efforts of those trying to start again after having their lives stolen from them. It's hard to praise a book any higher than to say as many people as possible should read this. For many readers this will challenge every assumption they ever had about British justice. Because to try and balance Blunkett's draconian proposals for lowering standards of proof, with the human fallout from countless miscarriages of justice that Naylor conveys so brilliantly, is to be very afraid for the future of British justice. |
© L.A.Naylor 2005. All rights reserved.
