One thought on “Free Speech Union weekly newsletter”

  1. Sterling work from FSU. As we saw from the vote and letters from MPs the true target of the “reforms” is not “efficiency” but getting defendants convicted, because it’s already decided they are guilty. ‘Cause feminist theory says so. A few have noted that the Draconian sentences for Rape means in fact these cases won’t (yet) be without Juries. However in the media world (and feminist) the term Rape is used to cover all forms of sexual assault, many of which do not carry such long sentences, and these will be left to Judge or only Magistrates courts. As also is the case for most “domestic abuse ” offences. So a large swath will no longer have the possibility of a Jury trial. Also in the Bill is a change from the current system,whereby it is easy( well not easy but accepted) to appeal to a higher court. Specially from Magistrates where most ‘benches” are simply members of the public supported by a legal advisor. The is to be changed to needing to seek permission to appeal, as Labour rebels have pointed out this effectively means that only those with private means to pay a barrister to make the necessary legal applications will have a hope of such permission being given.

    All in all the intent and effect will be to further enable the Courts to achieve the higher conviction rate they are constantly pressured to achieve. This Bill is followed by the one that puts into statute the current guidance that the Police shouldn’t inconvenience complainants by looking at messages and social media recorded on their smartphone. Precisely the sort of evidence that disproves the complainants characterisation of the relationship and encounter in so many cases.Given young people live their lives through their phone.

    So gradually the creation of “Expert” Judge trials for domestic abuse and sexual crimes is coming. All in the name of “efficiency”.

    Also it was gratifying seeing a victim point out that all the waving about “Rape” was in fact a trick given that the Bill does not change that crime being a Jury trial, due to the capital nature of the punishments.

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