petitions.pm.gov.uk/AnonymityAtTrial/


I would never have been convicted, charged or probably even arrested or questioned if this law had been in place.
They call it TRAWL BY MEDIA.

Signed

(A pity that governments cannot work this out for themselves !)

I'm uncertain if this is a workable idea or even a good one.

If an offence has been committed and the perpetrator is unknown the police will release details they do know, which is aimed at identifying the perpetrator. I accept that person is innocent unless proven guilty but their anonymity is encroached and I don't see how you can't.

On the radio some years ago there was a piece about the police trawling for evidence in child abuse cases within institutions.

The counter view was when the officers bring in former pupils/residents their comment is "This will be about Mr Smith then". The abusers are often known to be abusers but are in an environment that encourages other to look the other way.

Also I think there have been issues when the accuser has anonymity, although that is another subject, I raise it because it is an area where a "solution" has created more problems.

In principle I support the notion but feel it is not well phrased. it is too simplistic.

Unfortunately I don't have a suggestion for what I would consider better wording.

Having reread what I have written I don't think I've made my point very well - the bottom line is I'm reluctant to sign the petition as it stands.

However I am certainly open to debate, my resolve is not absolute.

My thoughts on this topic are in the LEGAL section, Zoo and others.
On balance I have to support anonymity for those accused.
I suffered through TRAWL BY MEDIA and I've since met dozens of others who were also innocent and had their lives ruined .
Please read my thoughts there and comment.

Its signed sealed deliverd JK.

Signed by me too. Too late sadly to be of any asistance to you.

Me too.

100 already in 24 hours.

JK2006 wrote:
My thoughts on this topic are in the LEGAL section, Zoo and others.
On balance I have to support anonymity for those accused.
I suffered through TRAWL BY MEDIA and I've since met dozens of others who were also innocent and had their lives ruined .
Please read my thoughts there and comment.

Thank you for the reference - you made a better case than the petition and I have now also signed.

I think the petition missed it being "Restore" defendant anonymity - it was certainly a factor in my decision.

Could I bring attention back to this worthy petition? Another 68 signatures and it moves into the next phase of consideration.

Sorry to hijack your thread, JK, but there is another petition which is worthy of everyone's consideration.

The new Bailiffs powers bill will remove rights which UK citizens have had for more than 1000 years and allow bailiffs the right to use force to enter properties and seize goods.

The Citizens Advice Bureau have upteen cases of illegal practise and overcharging by bailiffs - including where they actually go to the wrong houses !

Alan Murdie, barrister and author of 'New powers of fines officers: a disturbing development', June 2006 Legal Action 32, writes:

The draft Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill proposes wide-ranging reforms to the structure and composition of tribunals, judicial appointments, the enforcement of tribunal awards and debt recovery, particularly as regards the law on the seizure of goods. Of particular concern are Schedules 11 and 12 of the bill, which envisage a radical overhaul of the law relating to the seizure of goods. The new regime would apply to all money judgments by the High Court and county court and sums recoverable before magistrates. All common law rules and restrictions on the right to levy against goods are to be abolished, and replaced with a statutory code to be contained in regulations made by the Lord Chancellor.

Distress for rent by a landlord at common law is also abolished. In future, all types of bailiff will be replaced by individuals appointed and approved as 'enforcement agents'. These agents will then be given seizure powers wider than any which have been permitted in England and Wales since the Middle Ages.
The draft bill envisages that when enforcing against the goods of a debtor, enforcement agents will be entitled:

to break into private dwellings under warrant;
to use force against occupiers;
to invite third parties on to premises; and
to seize money or goods found on premises, including pets.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/bailiffs/

Many will think "this is nothing to do with me" - UNTIL it happens to you (often by mistake) !

Once again our rights are being gradually taken away by this authoritarian government.