An assertive campaign to put pressure on government to reconsider an archaic rule that bans people who have been treated for a mental health issue from serving on a jury has been launched.
The move, by mental health charity Rethink, came in a week where despite repeated government promises over the past five years to consult on the issue, the Ministry of Justice confirmed it would not be publishing a consultation after all. To date, no explanation as to why has been offered.
Actor Stephen Fry says: “There are thousands of people with mental health problems who are willing and perfectly capable of serving on a jury but who find themselves rejected solely because they see a doctor from time to time for support or medication. Exclusion purely on the grounds of treatment for a mental health problem is unfair and discriminatory, and eliminates a whole tranche of law abiding, competent individuals who should be entitled to play their part in the justice system.
Find out how you could support this campaign here.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
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Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. It would be great to know more about the typoe of collaboration you have in mind. I have just sent you an email with my work details.
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