Atkin lecture 2008: Open societies and the rule of the law
Speech by Sir Anthony Clarke, Master of the Rolls
13/11/2008
The Master of the Rolls looked at the essential qualities exhibited by countries committed to the rule of law:
- rationalism
- humanism, and
- democracy
“We have adopted an approach that respects the rigour of the rule of law. It is an approach that ultimately rests on the consent of the people, free citizens, and which is subject to review by the courts. To my mind, we have adopted an approach that both respects the fundamental nature of our open, democratic society and respects the rule of law. It is of course another question, and one for Parliament and the electorate, as to whether the steps taken are necessary and proportionate.”
