CARMEL RICKARD: Judges must speak out against injustice
It’s concerning when judges stay silent in the face of horrific crimes, limiting their response to a mechanical interpretation of the law
Years of reading judgments from a number of African countries have left me with many questions. Few have troubled me more, though, than the differing approach by the judiciary to this issue: whether a judge’s voice should ever be heard on any matter other than the legalities of the case being considered.
I regularly read through scores of decisions delivered by appeal judges. The criminal cases are about as horrific as it is possible to imagine. But so often the judge or judges involved say not one word about the despicable nature of the crime that was committed. It is as though they see their work as a mechanical measuring of the proven facts against the standards of the law, and that their duty ends once that decision is made...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.