Hey people
i thought this was a different blog and changed the quote, problem is i dunno Whit it was help!
get the BOOOO!s going
later
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Debbie Purdy: the importance of legal certainty upheld
Quick post in response to the Lords ruling in Debbie Purdy's application for judicial review (see news report here, and judgment here).
Whatever side of the divide one falls on regarding the issue of legalising euthanasia, the clarification of the law which will now result from the DPP publishing guidance on the criteria which will be applied in exercising the discretion of whether or not to prosecute those who help a loved one travel to Switzerland to die with the Dignitas organisation can only be a good thing.
Legal certainty is a principle of core importance in all legal systems which hope to function effectively and in anything approaching a fair manner. To leave such an important matter unclarified and wholly contingent would be a situation befitting a 3rd world legal system, rather than an advanced one such as that of the United Kingdom.
So I, for one, am glad that the Lords ruled in this manner on this point of Purdy's judicial review.
Whatever side of the divide one falls on regarding the issue of legalising euthanasia, the clarification of the law which will now result from the DPP publishing guidance on the criteria which will be applied in exercising the discretion of whether or not to prosecute those who help a loved one travel to Switzerland to die with the Dignitas organisation can only be a good thing.
Legal certainty is a principle of core importance in all legal systems which hope to function effectively and in anything approaching a fair manner. To leave such an important matter unclarified and wholly contingent would be a situation befitting a 3rd world legal system, rather than an advanced one such as that of the United Kingdom.
So I, for one, am glad that the Lords ruled in this manner on this point of Purdy's judicial review.
Support this campaign in order to protect scientific journalism!
Simon Singh is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association for daring the question the methodology and benefits associated with their practices in an article published in the Guardian in April 2008, and subsequently mass reposted yesterday in a mark of support (including here).
The use of libel laws to stifle such debate is clearly contrary to scientific progress. Progress which may well be to the benefit of the human race as a whole (perhaps a tad hyperbolic to associate abolishing libel laws in this context with advancing human progress, but I'm guessing you get the gist now).
It is imperative that the huge costs associated with defending such actions cannot be used to cow scientific journalists into submission by self-interested parties who may fear what scrutiny of their area may reveal.
If you agree with any of the above sentiments, I urge you to visit Sense about Science's campaign website, and support their campaign by signing their statement in support of amending libel laws in this context.
Those amongst you who support free speech; a free press; freedom of scientific endeavour; and the support of scientific progress may well wish to do so.
The use of libel laws to stifle such debate is clearly contrary to scientific progress. Progress which may well be to the benefit of the human race as a whole (perhaps a tad hyperbolic to associate abolishing libel laws in this context with advancing human progress, but I'm guessing you get the gist now).
It is imperative that the huge costs associated with defending such actions cannot be used to cow scientific journalists into submission by self-interested parties who may fear what scrutiny of their area may reveal.
If you agree with any of the above sentiments, I urge you to visit Sense about Science's campaign website, and support their campaign by signing their statement in support of amending libel laws in this context.
Those amongst you who support free speech; a free press; freedom of scientific endeavour; and the support of scientific progress may well wish to do so.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Friday, 19 June 2009
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
General elections and ID cards: clouds and silver linings
This blogger is not a Tory voter nor a member of the Tory party. However, it seems that there will be one positive outcome when the near inevitable capitulation of the Labour party at the next general election arrives, and the Tory party (sadly) comes into power: the authoritarian, Kafka-esque ID card lunacy will be scrapped.
The BBC reports that shadow home secretary Chris Grayling has written to the firms bidding for the contract to supply the cards, warning them that any incoming Tory government will definitely scrap the cards.
Every cloud has a silver lining indeed.
ps. Let's just hope that the current Labour administration doesn't build in large penalty clauses to any contract which is signed in order to stifle any future attempt to ditch the scheme.
The BBC reports that shadow home secretary Chris Grayling has written to the firms bidding for the contract to supply the cards, warning them that any incoming Tory government will definitely scrap the cards.
Every cloud has a silver lining indeed.
ps. Let's just hope that the current Labour administration doesn't build in large penalty clauses to any contract which is signed in order to stifle any future attempt to ditch the scheme.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
A response to UKIP and various assorted Eurosceptics
A brilliant post regarding the percentage of UK laws which stem from Europe, thorougly debunking the all too prevalent and easily-believed myth that the figure is either 84/75%, can be found here.
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