The most senior judge in England and Wales said he recognised the wearing of the niqab - the Muslim garment which leaves only a womans eyes visible - was divisive. He announced a public consultation will open on the subject soon. Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, the Lord Chief Justice, said results of the consultation will feed into the creation of new court guidelines, known as a practice direction, setting out the circumstances in which the niqab can be worn by defendants and witnesses. Its not an easy subject and were in the process of drafting a practice direction, Lord Thomas said. I wouldnt describe it as the elephant in the courtroom but it is an important issue that has to be addressed. I regard it as the responsibility of the senior judiciary to give guidance.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 05:45:32 +0000
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