Tag: Litigants in Person

Access to Justice

Unmasking an ‘Old Boys’ Club’: Freemasonry, Whistleblowers and the UK Justice System

Written by John Barwell

Judicial accountability · whistleblowing · Freemasonry transparency A new legal challenge over alleged judicial bullying has revived an old question: whether opaque networks, institutional loyalty and unfinished reforms leave whistleblowers facing more than their formal opponents. No grand conspiracy is proved, but the absence of disclosure leaves public trust exposed. Jurisdiction: United Kingdom Focus: JCIO, … Continue reading “Unmasking an ‘Old Boys’ Club’: Freemasonry, Whistleblowers and the UK Justice System”

Dispute Resolution

The 48 Laws of Litigation: Power Plays for the Litigant in Person

Written by John Barwell

When I wrote The Chimp, The Computer, and The LiP, I drew heavily on The Chimp Paradox, a book that explains how emotions and logic collide under pressure. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene serves a similar purpose—especially for Litigants in Person (LiPs) navigating high-stakes litigation. Legal battles often feel overwhelming due to procedural complexities, tight deadlines, and aggressive opposition. Greene’s insights on power dynamics can help LiPs maintain strategic control without falling into ethical traps. This article explores five of his most relevant “laws,” adapted for self-representation, ensuring compliance with court rules while maximizing tactical advantage.

Regulatory Matters

Litigants in Person and the Civil Restraint Order Trap

Written by John Barwell

Litigants in Person · Civil Restraint Orders · Litigation Strategy A Litigant in Person can begin with a genuine sense of injustice and still end up in procedural danger. The Civil Restraint Order trap opens when persistence turns into repetition, every setback becomes proof of bias, and applications are made without legal merit. Jurisdiction: England … Continue reading “Litigants in Person and the Civil Restraint Order Trap”