Thursday 26 January 2012

Chhokar murder, Case Re-opened







.
The BBC is reporting that The Crown Office has told Strathclyde Police to carry out a new investigation into the murder under double jeopardy legislation introduced last year.
The full report is Here While those unfamiliar with the case may find this background article useful 

The solicitor for the Chhokar family has released this statement


PRESS STATEMENT OUTSIDE CROWN OFFICE BY AAMER ANWAR SOLICITOR FOR CHHOKAR FAMILY- FOLLOWING MEETING WITH THE LORD ADVOCATE AND SOLICITOR GENERAL- 26TH JAN 2012

13 years ago as Surjit’s family began their struggle for justice, every step required their sacrifice and suffering.
Surjit was described as Scotland’s Stephen Lawrence, so when two of Stephen’s killers finally faced justice because of the double jeopardy law, the Chhokar family dared to hope that that justice was still possible for Surjit. 
The Lord Advocate and Solicitor General have taken important steps today, but there are significant hurdles to cross. The family believe there is a determination to fight for justice. 
The Lord Advocate has confirmed today that Strathclyde Police has been instructed to reopen the investigation into the murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar.
Today is a second chance for the Crown Office to do the right thing but also to show there has been a positive change 13 years later.
Surjit’s family will only ever be at peace when there is justice, it is now up to the Lord Advocate and Strathclyde Police to do all that is possible.  

Sunday 22 January 2012

Guardian Law to Support Open Justice Project


The Open Justice Project is pleased to announce that the Guardian News and Media has agreed to take part in the events planned for the week beginning February 27. Ros Taylor, the editor of Guardian Law has released this statement: 


"Guardian Law (guardian.co.uk/law), which has helped to pioneer tweeting from court and campaigns for greater openness in the justice system, will be dispatching writers to a range of courts as part of the project, and linking to some of the best writing on the blog."


If you too want to take part get in touch via this site, or email us at openjusticeuk@gmail.com


The Firm supports Open Justice project

Check out The Firm's article:

"Open Justice" aims to capture a week in the life of the legal system.

Launch Statement



A fundamental principle of law is: "Not only must justice be done; it must also be seen to be done." 
Lord Hewart said this in 1924, 88 years later the question is: Does this still hold true?
The Open Justice Project asks that question and aims to provide a snapshot of the state of British law in 2012.
 The project will be going live on the week beginning February 27, 'Open Justice Week' with the best writing submitted to be published on a dedicated website.
Our goal is to get writers, legal professionals and members of the public to collaborate using social media to share their experiences of a week in the life of the legal system. 
We aim is to publish accounts from all levels of justice, from the lowest courts to the highest, inviting lawyers, journalists, members of the public and offenders to write, blog and tweet about what really goes on in our courts.
The dedicated court reporter is becoming a thing of the past and the press, unaided, does not have the resources to be the eyes and the ears of the public at all times. At the same time new technology creates a channel that potentially allows an increased transparency and better access across the whole legal system to strengthen public oversight.
Guardian Law (guardian.co.uk/law), which has helped to pioneer tweeting from court and campaigns for greater openness in the justice system, will be dispatching writers to a range of courts as part of the project, and linking to some of the best writing on the blog.

To get involved you can email us at openjusticeuk@gmail.com  join us on Facebook or follow us on twitter on #oj_uk