[davo69]

Originally Posted by jambutty

I notice that the magistrate in question has been ‘re-trained’.

“When in Rome” springs to mind blazey.

The accused and any witnesses giving evidence must have their faces visible so that the emotion expressed in the face is visible to the bench when being cross examined. Hidden behind a veil the accused or witness could be lying in their teeth and no one would know. Juries would certainly want to see the face of the witness and accused.

Imagine if the magistrate was a Muslim women? Would she be allowed to wear a veil whilst on the bench? Would the council for defence or prosecution be allowed to wear a veil? Would any of the court officials be allowed to wear a veil? They might in a Muslim court but such a court has no legal standing in this country even if the Muslims are trying to establish their own courts.

It will be interesting to see what happens if a Muslim woman is called for jury service and turns up fully veiled.

cant believe this i agree with you for once lol