On Monday, a judge ruled that a Muslim woman will be allowed to stand trial while wearing a full-face veil, but that it must be removed while giving evidence. This obvious nonsense was hailed as a victory for open justice. Yet a jury clearly needs to see the face of a defendant when evidence is being given so they can observe their reaction. That goes for the innocent as well as the guilty; the burka could harm her chances of being acquitted. Can a burglar now claim he cannot make a court appearance without wearing his favourite balaclava?