The UK Human Rights Blog wrote about two recent speeches by British senior judges, the President of the UK Supreme Court and Master of the Rolls, reflecting on judicial review and the role of the Human Rights Act. Egypt’s new rulers and opposition leaders may wish to consult these documents as they create new mechanisms for Egyptian courts to check executive and legislative power and protect human rights.
Judicial Independence & Accountability: A View from the Supreme Court
Lord Phillips, President of the UK Supreme Court
8 Feb. 2011
http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/docs/speech_110208.pdf
Protecting Human Rights in an Age of Insecurity
Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, Master of the Rolls
7 Feb. 2011
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/Speeches/mr-speech-cla-07022011.pdf
Description of the speeches from the blog posting
http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2011/02/09/justice-in-the-age-of-insecurity/#more-6838
Two of the UK’s top judges have given fascinating speeches this week on justice in the age of insecurity. One by the head of the supreme court warns that budget cuts will imperil the independence of the judiciary. The other by the head of the court of appeal, argues that despite not being able to tell the government what to do, UK courts can provide effective protection of fundamental rights.
The speeches offer fascinating and sometimes controversial perspectives on our odd but in many ways admirable constitutional system, as well as warnings that strained budgets and political meddling could do it damage.
Hat tip to Adam Wagner of UK Human Rights Blog.
