Scarth v UK Application no. 33745/96

Known for his flaboyant personality and his braveheart, Norman Scarth took the UK to the European Courts of Human Rights some years ago and won.

Norman Scarth had a hearing in a civil contractual case in which the public and press were excluded, without good reason for this exclusion. The UK government accepted the violation of Article 6, as it should have done. It is more than regretable that the government attempts to defend so many applications.

This case will limit the number of occasions in which judges may attempt to prevent the public knowing what is going on in our courts.

Download Judgment here.

Download Word File of Judgment

Mclibel Litigants

Infamous LIPs Helen Steel and Dave Morris in the McLibel Trial.

Wikipaedia entry.

McLibel Pair Win just to show that determination wins the day.

Interesting Video. Click on the Mclibel link here.

Brennan v Natwest

This BBC article is an interesting one concerning a LIP against Natwest.

"At times Judge Peter Simpson took a critical view of the fact that Mr Brennan was representing himself, a so-called "litigant in person".

"I do not accept you are an ordinary litigant in person "Judge Peter Simpson
He upbraided Mr Brennan for failing to submit full and proper documentation, and accused him of trying to plead his case by instalments.
"I do not accept you are an ordinary litigant in person," the judge said sternly, referring to the fact that Mr Brennan was a recently qualified lawyer - albeit specialising in another area entirely, planning law. Speaking outside the court after the third day of argument, Mr Brennan conceded he had had a hard time before the judge.
"It's fair to say it was an uphill struggle," he said.

Press Release from the Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau

The Art of Self Defence is written by a Guardian Journalist. It is an interesting piece covering Heather Mill's efforts as Litigant In Person and the general view on representation. It is worth a read.