English Terrorism Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

English Terrorism Law - Essay Example Such a form of terrorism is called State Terrorism. It would not be wrong to say that 'terrorism' and 'terrorist' are both relative terms. Their meanings differ from people to people, society to society. Therefore it's not surprising that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter! 'On one point, at least, everyone agrees: terrorism is a pejorative term. It is a word with intrinsically negative connotations that is generally applied to one's enemies and opponents, or to those with whom one disagrees and would otherwise prefer to ignore. 'What is called terrorism , thus seems to depend on one's point of view. Use of the term implies a moral judgment; and if one party can successfully attach the label terrorist to its opponent, then it has indirectly persuaded others to adopt its moral viewpoint.' Hence the decision to call someone or label some organization terrorist' becomes almost unavoidably subjective, depending largely on whether one sympathizes with or opposes the person/group/cause concerned. If one identifies with the victim of the violence, for example, then the act is terrorism. If, however, one identifies with the perpetrator, the violent act is regarded in a more sympathetic, if not positive (or, at the worst, an ambivalent) light; and it is not ter rorism.' [3] The English Legal System: In the United Kingdom; England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Irelands have their own distinct legal system. Among these states there is a considerable difference in laws and their implementation. There are two kinds of laws. The Common laws which has not been clearly defined and is based on customs and traditions is used unless superseded by legislation. On the other hand there is the equity law which consists of a body of rules applied by the courts. The British legal system is not based on Roman law unlike the laws of certain other European countries [17]. However, due to its membership of the European Union, the European Community Law applies to economic and social judgements in the UK. The rulings are usually given by the European Court. There is a lot of literature on the subject of the relationship between EU Law and National Law.A group of competent law makers claim that the EU law is the supreme law of the land. The European law is based on the premise of 'We the People!' How ever, others argue that to evaluate the performance of national courts, adherence to the national constitution is to be strictly observed. [5] The Head of the judiciary in England and Wales is the Lord Chancellor. He has the authority to make all appointments for the magistrates and to the crowns except the highest which is made by the Prime Minister. There are two kinds of courts; criminal courts and civil courts [24]. The Home Secretary is responsible for the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Lastly there are the tribunals, which work in conjunction with courts. 'They are normally