Letter: Forgotten victims of legal bias
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Andreas Whittam Smith's article ("Many hands have been tilting the balance of justice", 25 February) gets it right. This is particularly so in relation to the excessive enthusiasm of some prosecutors and members of the judiciary to obtain and uphold convictions because it seems to them right to do so for reasons unconnected with the precise justice of the case before them. Prejudice in the court below with pre-judgement in the Court of Appeal are well-known phenomena. What is often not realised is that this is the tip of the iceberg.
The famous cases where justice has been achieved only through obdurate pressure are cases where there are political overtones, or massive public enthusiasm or doughty believers. The mere ordinary person who does not create an image for a pressure group or has not the unforgiving hardworking support of enthusiasts remains incarcerated.
It is hoped that the new commission will reverse the trend, but some remain cynical. Unfortunate that it starts business on 1 April.
MICHAEL BECKMAN QC
Lincoln's Inn
London WC2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments