Why justice sometimes has to get personal
By Marcel Berlins
We do not often have the opportunity to look into how top judges take their decisions in important cases. I don't mean the justifications provided for public consumption in their official judgments – those are merely the conclusions, in legal jargon – but what went on beforehand, in their minds, emotions and consciences?
Albie Sachs, soon to retire as a judge of the South African constitutional court, has more reason than most to consult his complex hinterland when faced with making up his mind about a case before the court which could affect thousands, even millions of people.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
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