Here is a picture of the lawyer wearing her veil as she argues her case in front of the jury.
Posted on 11/09/2006 8:27:45 PM PST by aculeus
Legal advisers and solicitors may wear the Islamic veil in court unless it interferes with the "interests of justice", judges have been told.
The judiciary were told to use their discretion to interpret the temporary guidance, which covers all courts.
The advice was issued by immigration tribunals chief Mr Justice Hodge after a case had to be halted when a legal adviser refused to remove her veil.
The Lord Chief Justice said full rules on the veils issue were being drawn up.
Case adjourned
Earlier this week it emerged legal adviser Shabnam Mughal had refused to remove her headwear during an immigration tribunal in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
She had been asked to do so by Judge George Glossop, who said he could not hear her properly.
Eventually Judge Glossop adjourned the hearing to seek advice from president of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) Mr Justice Hodge.
It is understood the hearing will now go ahead next week with a different judge presiding.
The case followed weeks of controversy over the wearing of Muslim veils.
Last month teaching assistant Aishah Azmi, 23, lost an employment tribunal case after being suspended from her position at a school in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, for refusing to remove her veil in class.
Issuing the interim guidance on Thursday, Mr Justice Hodge said: "Immigration judges must exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis where a representative wishes to wear a veil.
"The presumption is that if a representative before an AIT tribunal wishes to wear a veil, has the agreement of his or her client and can be heard reasonably clearly by all parties to the proceedings, then the representative should be allowed to do so.
'Arrangements will vary'
"If a judge or other party to the proceedings is unable to hear the representative clearly then the interests of justice are not served and other arrangements will need to be made.
"Such arrangements will vary from case to case, subject to judicial discretion and the interests of all parties."
The guidance applies to all courts.
Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers said he had asked the equal treatment advisory committee of the Judicial Studies Board to develop detailed guidance on the use of veils by all people involved in court cases - including the parties, legal representatives, witnesses, jurors and magistrates.
Published: 2006/11/10 02:55:50 GMT
© BBC MMVI
You know what if I was juror I be looking at female lawyers really weird like what wrong with you
I really think these people are lost.
And we aren't far behind, I'm afraid.
What?
Churchill is spinning in his grave.
Aren't men usually looking at womans chest area? Why would a veil matter?
Wow, that's great. I can finally wear my bunny ears, head-arrow and googaly eyes in court too!
Here is a picture of the lawyer wearing her veil as she argues her case in front of the jury.
RIP UK, GB, England. Soon to be the Islamic Republic of GB....
I wonder how would Richard the Lionhearted Edward 1 and Henry II feel about this
Especially Richard the Lionhearted he be opening can of whoop a** on Muslums
On The People's Court, Judge Wapner would always tell people to remove their sunglasses...Apparently he thought this would help him in determining who was telling the truth....then again, how do you tell when an attorney is lying? When his/her lips are moving...
If I were a juror, I'd find anyone wearing or represented by anyone wearing a veil, guilty. But I'd do it fairly and impartially.
This is fine in the UK but are they even allowed in the courts in Islamic countries without being the one about to be shot, hung, beheaded or stoned to death?
A veil and a powdered wig. This I gotta see.
ROFL Cobra that wrong but very funny LOLOLOL!
I think majority of the Freepers are fair minded
I think you are right I could find anybody who wearing Burka GULITY
I be so not pick for jury duty in the UK LOL!
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