12.05.26
Following an attempt by Mr (In) Justice Johnson to prosecute Palestine Action barrister for “contempt of court” after his closing speech mentioned the legal principle known as “jury equity”, Rajiv Menon has won his appeal.
What is Jury Equity? If a jury decides that the person who stands accused of a crime made the morally correct choice in their actions, the jury can find them “not-guilty”, even if the evidence shows that they did carry out the actions they are on trial for. This has been a legal principle since 1670. Historic examples have included anti-war campaigns that have destroyed military equipment (defended by then ‘human rights lawyer’ Keir Starmer), and victims of violent domestic abuse protecting themselves. The juries in these trials chose to acquit based on their conscience. This is the last safeguard ordinary people have against the abuse of state power.
Rajiv Menon is believed to be the first barrister in British legal history to be pursued over the contents of their closing speech. He did what every defence barrister should be free to do – in discharging his duty to his client: he told a jury the truth about their own rights.
Today, The Court of Appeal ruled that Mr Justice Johnson had no jurisdiction to refer Rajiv Menon KC directly to the High Court. This was unlawful. Also unlawful was the High Court’s decision to even accept Mr Johnson’s referral. Judge Johnson referred the contempt proceedings against Rajiv DIRECTLY to the High Court, bypassing the correct procedures. He did this back-door tactic deliberately to ensure they could prosecute Rajiv. It is no coincidence that this attempt to silence a barrister is connected to activists who disrupted Israel’s genocidal war crimes.
Rogue judges are attempting to remove any mention of this principle to jurors, blocking their lawful rights. Labour is attempting to heavily restrict jury trials, preventing access to fair justice.
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