Sortition Assembly

Subject: Sortition Assmebly
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 08:21 AM

an idea championed by Brett Hennig on TED.com

The concept is of a randomly selected group of individuals seconded to serve on a panel to govern/decide laws. Apparently it happened in Ireland over abortion, the panel came out in favour by 66% so they had a referendum that returned a majority of 2/3s . And the law was passed.

According to Brett, the UK are doing something along these lines at several local levels. Though I hope fergawdsake it doesn't trigger another round of referenda.

Your alternatives, should you decide, are Jeremy Corbyn, and Dominic Cummings (with a side salad of 'King Boris) - not to mention Boaty McBoatface. Yea, Yea - no system is perfect, some are more perfect than others though.

Subject: RE: Sortition Assmebly
From: Raggytash
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 08:37 AM

If it were put to a public vote the UK would possible see a return to capital punishment and some people would go for public hangings.

Not such a good idea me thinks!

Subject: RE: Sortition Assmebly
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Nov 20 - 08:54 AM

Yeah, bring back the birch, stick 'em in the army - never did me no 'arm!

Subject: RE: Sortition Assembly
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Nov 20 - 03:02 AM

If you heard the TED talk you would find the Sortition Assembly would be backed up by experts and data. They could request it. They would, without enforcing laws, come to a considered opinion. There is the inclusivity aspect - they would have to be paid, and a lot of people would try to decline a disruption in there career (it affects your job prospects I can vouch).

I am not entirely in favour of the concept because it doesn't rule out cronyism by stealth. And I don't favour referenda - they beget referenda. But...........

There is a Sortition System in place in many countries, especially English speaking ones.

Trial by Jury.    Well! Whodathoughtit?