The themes of the article

The Divorce Reform Act 1969 on its face gives to the promotion of reconciliation between married couples a prominence unprecedented in our legislation. It can be argued that section 3 of the Act (“Provisions designed to encourage reconciliation”) is merely a placatory gesture towards those troubled by too-easy divorce. The practical effect of the section is certainly limited. But it is of interest in a number of ways, theoretical and practical. More generally, changes in the fundamentals of divorce law justify a new approach to the purposes and practices of reconciliation. It may be worthwhile attempting to foster that approach even if section 3 can be criticised as an inadequate instrument for giving effect to it.

During the House of Commons debate on crime on 8 August 1966, Mr. David Ensor expressed some doubt as to the efficacy of the jury system. He compared it with systems in a number of European countries where three judges, or one judge and two or more assessors (lay justices), decide all questions of law and fact. He thought that this Continental system was working perfectly well.