The curious episode of the juror asked to withdraw from a crown court case because she was wearing a niqab, or full veil, raises a number of questions.
Judge Aidan Marron QC interrupted the woman as she was about to take the oath for an attempted murder trial at Blackfriars crown court this week and inquired whether she preferred not to remove her veil.
The woman, who was otherwise wearing western clothing, replied: "Yes", and was then asked to step down.
So is this fair play? Official guidance on the 'wearing of veils in court' was issued in 2007. On jurors, it says: "If a person's face is almost fully covered a judge may have to consider if any steps are required to ensure effective participation and a fair hearing – both for the woman wearing a niqab and for other parties in the proceedings." [guardian.co.uk] Read more
