The recent violent disorders following riots in England and Northern Ireland have been a very tough watch. More than 1,000 people so far being arrested with the Crown Prosecution Service reporting that close to 500 people have been charged. They include a string of teenagers (over 50 U18s to date) including a 12-year- old boy charged with violent disorder with the Judge commenting that the boy was ‘more involved in the violence and disorder than any other Defendant I’ve seen’.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, commented that a good deal of rebuilding has to be done and that “respect for the police, respect for the law, and respect for each other is where we must start,”
The rule of law is the fundamental basis on which are liberal democracy and system of justice rests. It is vital that the general public continues to hold the rule of law in the highest regard.
From Magna Carta to the Human Right Act, our legal and political system has done much to protect the rule of law.
With my legal education workshops this term in primary and secondary schools across the land, I will be redoubling my efforts to make sure our young people are fully versed in the importance and relevance of the rule of law for them and future generations.