The Judge Who Thought He Was Defence Counsel: CIFWATCH SCOOP

From an article in the JC (July 7):

'Jewish lawyers and jurists said it was unorthodox for judges to air their political allegiances in court.

London solicitor Jonathan Lux, Board Member of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, said: "This case appears to have disturbing implications and thought will need to be given to what the wider consequences are."

Barrister Oliver Mishcon said: "Judges must be careful about showing support for political causes."

But Professor Graham Zellick QC, the former chair of Leo Baeck College, said the judge was entitled to express his opinion. He said: "It is not what the law, strictly applied, should lead to; but some would argue that it is one of the virtues of the jury system that the strict law can be moderated." '

http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/34718/judge-brighton-anti-israel-raide...

Well bless her little cotton socks! Our Daph's got into the act now and referred readers of her blog (are there any but me, her devoted fan Yvetta?) to Jonathan's blog. (As if they'd be likely to have read Daph's blog first! Who does that gal think she is? Melanie Phillips?)
Still, it's the thought that counts, and Daph has a nice pic over there of someone she calls Judah's Lion

Judah's Lion and the Judge
http://www.daphneanson.blogspot.com/

Whoever that is, he's a very handsome chap.

Is this the start of a Jonathan Hoffman fan club?
Well done for the extent of the information on this JH.
BTW I have already written to my MP on this matter, a newby Conservative who kicked out the expense swindling (allegedly) Tony McNulty, perhaps it will give him something to have " a crack at".

"Is this the start of a Jonathan Hoffman fan club?"

Don't know about that, but I think we should think seriously about opening a Daniel Finkelstein fan club. A brillant piece by a brilliant journalist:

Peace is for those who want it

http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/columnists/35687/peace-those-who...

My MP would be likely to cheer on the judge - the MP in question is a Lib Dem who's guest of honour tomorrow night at a Palestine Solidarity event in town.

Incidentally, I assume Lewes Crown Court is correct - earlier reports mentioned Hove Crown Court.