The New Dark Age

No barrister in British legal history has ever faced contempt proceedings over the content of a closing speech. Rajiv Menon now faces up to two years in prison for words that barristers have recited in court for centuries.

The independence of juries has been recognised in law since the 1670 case of R v Penn & Mead, and is honoured on a plaque at the Old Bailey itself. Rajiv Menon KC referred to this while defending Charlotte Head, over the 2024 Palestine Action Filton factory protest. Head was acquitted. The judge accused Menon of contempt of court.

If the independence of juries can no longer be spoken of in court without risking prison, every defendant’s ability to receive a fearless defence is put at risk.

David Lammy, Richard Hermer and Parmjit Kaur Cheema-Grubb:

Drop these proceedings and protect the rights of juries from interference by judges. 

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