My Experience With Judges Has been Positive, But We Must Still Pursue SLAPP Reform in the United Kingdom
Growing up in the 90s, I used to watch "Judge Judy" quite a lot. Yes, I know that turning courts into "showbiz" is in bad taste and all, but it does give one an insight into processes, procedures, pleading approaches and so on.
I think the first time I went to court to watch random cases (not related to me in any way) was in the early 90s. I was a kid. Some person, I assume a lawyer, displayed footage of an old lady doing housework (filmed from afar, maybe from a distant building). Lacking context, I assumed he was trying to prove that she had falsely alleged disability or something to that effect. I found that interesting. I still remember that very well.
I come from a fairly small family because my parents have barely any siblings (0+1). My aunt is married to a judge, who is basically my only uncle.
On occasions, or very occasionally, to some people's misfortune, he gave me advice. I'm reasonably well protected from bullies (including those who wear a suit and exploit a lawyer's licence).
Techrights, as I explained this morning, isn't anti-authority. I explained why. On many occasions I encountered authorities that were very helpful and courteous. Those include regulators (my barrister comes from one). I also spoke to judges and usually, at the end, they can relate to what I say and side with me. Maybe I'm just lucky, who knows?
In any event, society where profit-related motives control almost everything (both at a personal and commercial level) we must at least strive to have something that can look above and beyond money. We need to have people who can look at the issues and objectively assess them, based on the underlying facts. This is where judges come in.
At the moment we have a long-term plan to explain what Techrights was subjected to, how it tackled the challenges (we deem this an educational endeavour; we want to help others, especially in predicaments), then spend years pursuing SLAPP reform with the help of politicians. I have many useful contacts. There are also NGOs which show genuine interest in helping.
We believe it'll be a "feather in the cap" if we can help change laws in the UK to better protect investigative reporters; nations are better off with media freedom. Society is guarded from crooks and violent thugs when the media is functional and unafraid by default. █