JURIST - Paper Chase: Senior UK judges warn terror laws will dilute judicial power, undermine democracy

[JURIST] In a backlash against recent proposals for sweeping changes to Britain's terror laws [JURIST report], senior judges in the UK have warned lawmakers that they will stand against any move to undermine their independence in an effort to ensure a democratic society. Their uncompromising stance comes after a series of clashes stemming from accusations made by British politicians. Tory leader Michael Howard [official website] Wednesday accused judges of aggressive judicial activism and urged courts not to interfere with terror laws [JURIST report]. Tony Blair had earlier warned that he would renounce part of the European Convention on Human Rights [JURIST report] and fight against courts that might attempt to block the deportation of Islamic extremists. Lord Carlile of Berriew, a deputy High Court judge, warned that it would be "foolish" to meddle with judicial authority, saying judges could strike back if their historic independence is threatened. The Independent has more.

For a one-stop snapshot of the latest legal news that matters, with breaking documents, new legal videos, live law-related webcasts, commentary by expert law professors and more - all updated through the day in real time, with no ads and no registration barriers - visit JURIST's homepage and check back often...