The Westminster Gazette

by The Panda Boy INTRODUCTION Freedom of thought and freedom of expression are foundational to the United Kingdom’s constitutional settlement. Their true test does not arise in abstract debate, but in moments of social strain—where grief, protest, identity, and state authority converge in contested civic space. In such moments, the role of law is not to arbitrate moral authenticity or emotional legitimacy, but to secure neutrality, proportionality, and equal treatment. This a

by The Panda Boy Introduction In March 2025, Netflix released Adolescence, a British crime drama told across four episodes, each filmed in a single take. A colleague asked for my opinion on this, and to be frank, it was a hard and difficult watch. The series follows the arrest and psychological unravelling of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, Katie Leonard. At first glance, the premise terrifies: a child as a perpetrator of sexualised violenc

by The Panda Boy Introduction The principle of fairness underpins the criminal justice system; however, significant gaps remain in protecting vulnerable defendants, particularly those with neurodivergent conditions. These individuals frequently encounter systemic disadvantages, such as communication obstacles during trials and misinterpretation of their behaviours as deceptive or defiant. Although intermediaries and special accommodations are available, their implementation c