Though the presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our legal system, some people are being punished even before their case has been heard. Prince Andrew has lost his royal titles, even though he won’t appear in court until September. A Manchester United player has been dropped by his sponsors after he was arrested - and subsequently bailed - on a charge of rape. And Woody Allen, accused of molesting his adopted daughter, Dylan, has been cleared - twice - of any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, a number of actors have said they would not work with him again (Wallace Shawn, who appears in Allen’s latest film, has pointed out that the director has not been found guilty of any crime). If we continue to make pre-emptive assumptions about a person’s guilt, then we’re heading back to the era of witch trials, kangeroo courts and mob rule: AKA “the court of public opinion”.
Selby Abbey, licenced today…
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