header-logo header-logo

Clameur-ing for help

27 March 2008 / Byron James
Issue: 7314 / Categories: Opinion , Public , Human rights , Community care
printer mail-detail

Byron James takes the law into his own hands with the modern application of an age-old remedy

Defending one’s home has been a newsworthy topic from time immemorial. While it has dramatic expositions, such as in the circumstances surrounding the conviction of Tony Martin at the turn of the present century, it also has a point of more mundane relevance. There are countless circumstances in which one can feel in need of protection despite being warmly ensconced within the four walls of one’s home. For some, the sound of chatter and the breaking of a glass alcopop bottle on tarmac can send a shiver down the spine, being generally indicative of troublesome yobs outside.

Often in such situations calling the police is something of an irrelevance, akin to taking a sugar-coated pill when seriously ill. Like placebos, it can result in the desired effect, but it leaves far too much to chance for it to be seriously relied upon. The time spent waiting can often inspire a hopeless resignation, as you watch

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

London promotion underscores firm’s investment in white collar and investigations

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Private client team strengthened by partner appointment

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School highlights a turbulent end to 2025 in the civil courts, from the looming appeal in Mazur to judicial frustration with ever-expanding bundles, in his final NLJ 'The insider' column of the year
Antonia Glover of Quinn Emanuel outlines sweeping transparency reforms following the work of the Transparency and Open Justice Board in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll