Site Meter

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

'Secret inquests' plans dropped

'Secret inquests' plans dropped

Ministers have dropped plans which would have allowed coroners' inquests to be held in private.

The government will not pursue a clause in its controversial counter-terrorism bill to allow inquests to be held in private due to "national security".

The change was intended to stop sensitive information, such as details of phone-taps, being known to jurors.

The government has already backed down over plans to detain terror suspects for 42 days without charge
.

Just as well. The legal principle that not only must justice be done but it should be manifestly seen to be done, is left intact. With secrecy comes the question 'what are they seeking to try and hide'?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

jailhouselawyer,

Meantime, in whose hands are all recent confidential data losses ??!!