Who Watches the Watchmen? Employment Rights Blog

Governments tend not to welcome criticism.

 

They are, in my experience, usually determined to press on with their plans, whatever the intelligent arguments against, and are particularly cross when those plans are thwarted.

 

It comes as no surprise therefore that the Lord Chancellor, Mr Grayling, should be seeking to undermine the whole system of Judicial Review (“JR”).

 

JR is the process by which we can challenge the State and its Officers and Institutions. It is an essential feature of the rule of law in this country.  It prevents (or, at least, limits) the abuse of power by public servants and it seeks to ensure the application of the rules of natural justice when we are dealing with those who govern us.

 

Of course, JR is open to abuse. Some individuals and organisations will use it to frustrate the most well intentioned of administrations.