|
|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
A verdict that clears Ed Balls, but still leaves a nasty taste
|
|---|
| Parent(s) |
Candidate
|
| Contributor | Jason |
| Last Edited | Jason May 13, 2010 01:46am |
| Logged |
0
|
| Category | General |
| Media | Newspaper - Guardian |
| News Date | Sunday, April 25, 2010 07:00:00 AM UTC0:0 |
| Description | An insidious constitutional change in Britain over recent years is the increased power given over to the court of public opinion. This peculiar judicial institution has no basis in law. Its verdicts are declared in tabloid newspapers. The justice it dispenses is summary and often cruel.
Sharon Shoesmith was tried and convicted in this way. She was director of children's services at the London borough of Haringey when the horrific case of Baby P, a toddler systematically abused and ultimately murdered under the noses of social workers, came to national attention.
Ms Shoesmith was sacked by children's secretary Ed Balls in December 2008. She appealed, claiming her dismissal was unfair. The High Court last week found against her, but the judge expressed a "lurking sense of unease" about the case.
The court rejected the idea that an investigation, resulting in a report that condemned Haringey social services, was subjected to political pressure to effect Ms Shoesmith's departure. On that key point, Mr Balls is exonerated. |
| Share |
|
|
2¢
|
|
| Article | Read Full Article |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|
