The Justice Factory: Can the Rule of Law Survive in Twenty-First Century Scotland?

by Ian Mitchell, Lord Hope of Craighead, Prof Alan Page

The invisible “war” between law and power today is a struggle for the rule OF law (all judges) against those who want to rule BY law (most politicians). The principles of due process and the separation of powers are under threat. Arguably, this is a war for the future of liberal democracy. Certainly, it is poisoning the body politic in Britain and America today. This new book looks at the situation in close focus in one jurisdiction, Scotland, though the lessons are universal. --- Part I (Judges) describes from actual interviews the sort of people who have served as judges in Scotland since the turn of this century. What sort of people are the upholders of our law? --- Part II (politicians) describes threats to the rule of law which are emerging from the political world. It is uncertain whether the judiciary will be allowed to retain its institutional independence. What price then, the rule of law? --- LORD HOPE of Craighead, ex-Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court. --- Introduction to Part Alan Page, PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC LAW at the University of Dundee, author of Constitutional Law of Scotland. --- “READ THIS WONDERFUL BOOK. OUR RULERS ARE AFRAID YOU DO.” Ian Hamilton QC --- “Arresting reading.” Prof Adam Tompkins MSP --- “We must all be grateful to Ian Mitchell for his controversial but very interesting book.” Lord Hope --- The Justice Factory is an authoritative, non-partisan work on an important subject.

421 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2014

Reviews

[Anne Gibbons-Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelation

This is a book every Scot should read, but they won't, more 's the pity. Well researched, a terrifying expose of how, through ignorance or apathy we are letting our selves be walked into a frightening future. A much stronger fight against separatism is crucial. Well done Ian Mitchell for your dogged persistence.

[Alasdair Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting nuggets but pretty patchy