Statue of Justice

[chakka35]

Lots of references to the statue of Justice atop the Old Bailey routinely describe it as blindfolded. Since it plainly is not (and the idea is daft anyway), where did the notion come from?

[kempie]

Some versions of Justice depict her with a blindfold, others do not.

http://members.tripod.com/mdean/justice.html

[Xanthippe]

There are a number of different images of Justicia or Themis as the Greeks called her on the attached site.

The use of the blindfold on some statues is often interpreted as a depiction of her even handedness. She is not prejudiced by the appearance of things.

However, the blindfold was also an indication to the cynical of mind that the judiciary turned a blind eye to procedural irregularities in the courts of ancient Rome.

http://members.tripod.com/mdean/justice.html

[Xanthippe]

Sorry kempie, I didn't notice we were looking at the same site. I'll just take this blindfold off.

[chakka35]

Many thanks, Kempie (you again!) and Xanthippe for your prompt and precise answer. It seems that some people are just unobservant when passing the Old Bailey.
The reason for the blindfold, where it exists, is unconvincing. What good is a justice sytem which is blind, that can't see the visual evidence or the expressions on the faces of witnesses? I can quite understand why judges refuse to allow blind people to serve on juries.
If I am ever on trial, or giving evidence, I hope that everyone in the court will be able to see quite clearly what an upstanding, honest, truthful citizen I am...
Thanks again.

[THECORBYLOON]

Being blind does not disqualify a person from serving on a jury. If the case does not depend on a lot of vital visual evidence, a blind person can serve on the jury. A sighted person may be swayed by the appearance of the accused or a witness whilst a blind person relies on the written or spoken evidence only.

[chakka35]

If blind jurors are not barred by law I am still not surprised that some judges refuse to accept them. There would be little problem with written evidence, but the acceptance or otherwise of spoken evidence often depends on the demeanour of the person giving it. Surely, THECORBYLOON, you have watched someone lying to, or taking the mickey out of, someone at the other end of the telephone who hasn't your advantage of watching the expression on the liar's/ mickey-taker's face. Fortunately, blind people usually, and very sensibly, ask for exemption from jury service and their plea is accepted.