The respondents have a right either to participate in the Reference proceedings themselves or to be represented. The opinion of the High Court on the point of law referred by the Lord Advocate has no effect upon the acquittal. Although, in theory, this is a procedure to clarify any point of law that arises, in practice it seems to be a way of appealing against acquittals through the back door. Crime prevention is natural and as long as it is done nonviolently, safely and accountably, forms a recognised right in the vast majority of cultures, societies and nations, many of which have incorporated it directly within their judicial systems. Roder, Zelter and Moxley acted to prevent crime.
Mass murder is probably one of the most heinous wrongs known to mankind.
The Trident nuclear weapon system is a conspiracy to commit mass murder. Although the questions put to the High Court seem to be purely technical, nevertheless they challenge the right of ordinary citizens to try to put very great wrongs right. If this right is undermined it will be disastrous for our society and will lead to a protracted conflict of interests between the State and ordinary people. People will no longer be able to remain responsible caring human beings as well as law-abiding citizens. They will have to choose between the two.