COMMON SENSE AND CLEAN HANDS: AN OMBUDSMAN'S VIEW OF JUSTICE

It is sometimes easy to forget that decisions made by public authorities are made by humans, who tend to like clear rules and procedures: some set criteria to make the 'right' decision. Mysterious beings as we are, we are not void of temptation to do things the easier way or for ulterior motives. It can be instructive to look at real-life case studies to see how administrative decision-makers can be caught in the dilemma of applying perfect rules to imperfect situations and trying to fit imperfect laws or exceptions to others. No matter how considered a rule or procedure may be, there are always areas of grey that administrative decision-makers cannot avoid, and which necessitate judgement, common sense, and dignity.