The PeaceKeepers organization has been engaged in a relentless three-year battle to establish lawful accountability within the judicial system. As we await a critical High Court judgment, it’s crucial to understand the intricate details of the hearing, the challenges overcome, and the significant victories secured within the courtroom. This is not merely a legal case; it is a fundamental stand for individual rights and the true application of the rule of law.
The Core Principle: A Foundation for Freedom
At the heart of the PeaceKeepers‘ mission lies a profoundly simple yet powerful principle: there is no law that permits anyone to create an obligation for another, and no individual is obliged to comply with another’s will. This is the bedrock upon which our entire strategy rests, serving as the guiding light in our pursuit of justice and accountability. It is this message we strive to convey to every individual, empowering them to understand and defend their inherent sovereignty.
The Initial Barriers: Fighting to Be Heard
Our current High Court case against Liverpool and Nosley Magistrates’ Court and Liverpool City Council began with an uphill battle simply to have our application for judicial review heard. Initially, Judge Occultton summarily refused permission on paper, preventing us from even stepping foot into a courtroom. His refusal was based on four stated reasons:
- No Standing: He claimed our foundation lacked the necessary standing to bring the case.
- Out of Time: He asserted our claim was filed outside the prescribed time limit.
- Alternative Remedy: He suggested we should have pursued an alternative legal remedy instead of judicial review.
- No Perceptible Merit: He concluded that our eight grounds had “no perceptible merit whatsoever.”
This complete refusal was unacceptable to PeaceKeepers. We believe this case holds fundamental public interest, directly impacting the rights of every person in this country. Consequently, we fought back, demanding and securing a full oral hearing at the High Court. This is where the true strategic battle over technicalities, often designed to obstruct public access to justice, began.
Overcoming Procedural Obstacles: Victories in the Courtroom
The High Court hearing became a testament to our resolve, focusing heavily on challenging the procedural technicalities that sought to block our case:
Demolishing the “Standing” Argument
On the issue of “standing,” we unequivocally asserted that our case was not about a narrow individual interest but about the broader principle of the rule of law. We highlighted the court’s overriding duty to avoid defeating a valid claim, especially one of significant public interest, on a mere technicality. To definitively resolve this, a PeaceKeepers representative consented to be co-joined to the case prior to the hearing. Both the council’s barrister and the High Court judge conceded that if permission were granted, he would indeed be joined to the claim. This marked our first significant victory, overcoming a critical initial barrier.
Debunking the “Out of Time” Claim
The second challenge, being “out of time,” devolved into an hour-long, almost unbelievable debate over the precise meaning of a single word. Court rules state an applicant must file their claim in time. However, the council argued that the crucial factor was when the court issues a claim. This type of linguistic manipulation often draws criticism and erodes public trust in our legal system. We firmly stood our ground, demanding adherence to the clear wording of the rules. After an hour of persistent argument, the council’s barrister was forced to concede that filing is indeed the correct test. This concession meant no delay could be attributed to our filing date, thus demolishing the second barrier.
The Path Forward: Awaiting the Final Judgment
As we await the final High Court judgment, the PeaceKeepers have already secured pivotal victories. We have successfully dismantled two of the four initial grounds for refusal, overcoming the very technicalities designed to block our access to justice. Everything now hangs on the judge’s decision concerning the final two questions. We will promptly share the results as soon as the judgment is handed down.
This ongoing fight is a collective effort. Your unwavering support, belief in our logic, and commitment to our shared principles are what make these achievements possible. This is not just the work of a few; it is the collective action of many who believe in justice and accountability.
What you’ve learned here is the first step. To truly master these principles, enrol in our foundational online course—it’s completely free. Start your training now at https://peacekeepers.org.uk/enrol/.