The very thought of going to court or being involved with our legal system fills most people who have never been near one, with trepidation. The only time people see the inside of a court is on the receiving end of the system or being part of it.

The system is fully geared up to provide the remarkably complex mix of summary justice needed to keep the peace. Just, being the operative word!

I can only hope it is due to a minor misdeed, interest or curiosity that you are reading this, however, should there be a serious reason I would strongly suggest you obtain unbiased and faithful support from the very large and expanding legal profession. Not as easy as that though.

The system is steeped in history pomp and ceremony. Both in the wearing of wigs, gowns and deference, I found it full of hypocrisy and humbug, being pulled reluctantly into a new century by the need to modernise and humanise, all within a much faster and greater life expectancy.

Given the massive power the system has, it is in need of even greater controls and firewalls, if it is to be prevented from corruption and double standards.

Having been flattened by the mangle of the machine, I know my view will always be that the system is full of holes, waiting to open up under the unsuspecting traveller. Never think for a minute that court is unbiased. That it is fair, or indeed just.

I would like to see every professional with any involvement with the system, be it a judge or Social worker to have to give a members interest log to an independent statutory body whenever they change clubhouse! How can a system operate when so many professionals eat, sleep and are merry together, yet are supposedly on opposite sides of the court and police station? Are we just cannon fodder, or the next holiday to the bananas?

One has only to research the strange mating habits of the lesser spotted barrister to understand the pecking order problems involved and the rights of passage, if that is the right word, to a fully fledged Greater crested High Court Judge. The researcher will come up against the grand wall of silence and clucking denial of deference, that is the hallmark of so called British injustice to day.

I make no apology for feeling and writing as I do, the only good quality in comparing our system with third world dictatorial states, is that we have a liveable prison regime. We are not innocent until proved guilty, according to the Social Services. We are never told why the police only take statements from people they feel will support their hidden agenda. Yet again if you have monies your day in court is for more likly to be a winner.The list is endless, but I think most people just except that our system is a bag of crap because they think the system only happens to fall on others! Wrong.