Sentenza 17 gennaio 2014
In an increasingly multi-ethnical and culturally diverse society, we
would emphasise that issues concerning attire and symbols motivated by
religious belief and conviction must be handled by all judicial bodies
with great tact and sensitivity. Tribunals should be considerate and
respectful in their approach. Simple measures such as limited
screening or minimising the courtroom audience should be
considered. Tribunals should be particularly careful to point out that
the maintenance of attire of this kind might impair the panel’s
ability to evaluate the reliability and credibility of the evidence of
the party or witness concerned and it could have adverse consequences
for the Appellant. Where issues of this kind arise, a Tribunal’s
experience, expertise, common sense, pragmatism and sense of fairness
will be invaluable tools.