Legal realities, political remedies?

Today's Middle East Analysis podcast sees resident contributor Dr Harry Hagopian don his jabot and peruke, the white bib and curly wig of a barrister-at-law, as we examine the three main components of power: government (Executive), parliament (Legislature) and the judiciary (Courts). In the Middle East & North Africa, do we see a separation of these branches of power? How much authority can a judge lay claim to? Are presidents, prime ministers or monarchies above the law? Are there political solutions to legal problems and vice versa? This obviously varies from country to country so Dr Hagopian provides a number of examples to illustrate his thought-provoking arguments and to highlight what happens when these powers get entangled – or not. Silence in court for today's Middle East Analysis...