mandragora

Yesterday one of the most dangerous people in Britain, the (former) Home Secretary, David Blunkett resigned. Lawyers (including me) loathe him for his refusal to take account of some pretty fundamental human rights in his fanaticism to pursue the 'War on Terror'. Not that there are plenty of people who aren't lawyers who don't loathe him, of course, but lawyers are some of Blunkett's favourite whipping boys.

Today, the Law Lords (in a court of nine, count 'em, nine - reserved only for the most serious cases and when the Law Lords *really* want to make a point) ruled that the disgraceful detention without trial of foreign nationals suspected of terrorist offences is contrary to human rights laws. The majority was eight to one. So, go the judiciary!

I quote from Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead, who in his ruling, said: "Indefinite imprisonment without charge or trial is anathema in any country which observes the rule of law.

Absolutely.

And, a not-yet-quite-belated Happy Birthday to