header-logo header-logo

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

Clameur-ing for help

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 the kids outside enjoying the new sport of car surfing,

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

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

20 promotions mark major people investment at national law firm, Anthony Collins

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley adds competition litigator Elaine Whiteford in London

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes Claudina D’Costa as Director of Client Development Marketing

NEWS
The 25th Pro Bono Week begins today until 6 November, with events hosted by law firms, chambers, law schools and charities across the UK
Pro bono is celebrating a silver anniversary, with initiatives putting businesses and students at the heart of access to justice
Choosing the wrong expert can cost a clinical negligence claimant more than their case
Judges risk weakening their own independence by staying silent over government reforms, a leading public lawyer argues
A discount on damages does not automatically mean an equivalent haircut for legal costs in military deafness claims
back-to-top-scroll