Oxford University has been accused of engaging in a witch-hunt by Cambridge University. The claim comes in a Telegraph article reporting that staff at Oxford University have been spying on students engaged in post-examination celebrations. I don't agree with the Oxford Student Union's claim that it is an invasion of students privacy for University staff to look at Facebook, because this is available on the internet. However, I believe that it is unlawful to hold secret trials in the absence of students and find them guilty and issue a fine. The University does allow the students an opportunity to appeal against this decision. Perhaps, I can draw Oxford University's attention to the decision in Hirst v Home Secretary [2001] EWCA CIV 378, Court of Appeal, 8 March 2001. Lord Woolf (MR), held that it is natural justice to allow someone to challenge a decision before it is made and not simply allow them to appeal afterwards.
UPDATE: Oxford University Students Union accuses the Oxford University of operating a disciplinary system that is neither fair nor transparent: "While the Student Union does not condone unruly, violent or disorderly behaviour, we believe that the privacy of our members should be protected and that disciplinary procedures at all levels within the University should be fair and transparent".
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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