The UK government reportedly plans to fine people according to their disposable income, rather than on fixed penalties. Under the new system a fine of £200 might become £750 for someone better-off.

This illustrates yet again how little feeling this particular government has for the principles of justice. I wrote in the Guardian that:

The principles which preserve between them the rule of law and the rights of individuals have been systematically subverted by recent governments…it is almost as if the government has made out a checklist of those rules, determined to strike them down one by one.

I cited the right to trial by jury, presumption of innocence, double jeopardy, limited jurisdiction, right of silence, habeas corpus, conviction before sentence, and the absence of prior restraint and retro-active legislation. All of these have been compromised to some degree. Now the government intends to remove the blindfold from justice and have the punishment fit the criminal, rather than the crime.

What is gained in return for abandoning so important a principle? Another 'stealth' tax to transfer more money from the middle classes to the Treasury. Is it worth it?