One could argue that Jade’s decision to get married is motivated primarily by monetary gain. If this is accepted, it would mean that she is using a traditional ceremony as a money-making scheme, making a mockery of the idea of marriage. This may be seen as offensive by some people, as it sends out all the wrong kinds of messages about what a marriage represents to the young and impressionable.

Despite consent being given by the couple for the coverage of the wedding, the need for the media to be present at such an emotionally ambiguous time beggars belief. A market is clearly there, but the ethics of that market are cloudy. It seems voyeuristic for members of the public to be entertained by witnessing a dying woman marry her boyfriend. This development marks another step in the worrying trend of public intrusion into private lives, and is comparable to the broadcasting of Craig Ewert’s assisted suicide and the ‘live birth’ in 2006.

This follows the development that Jack Straw has personally intervened in reviewing Jack Tweed’s bail conditions. Tweed was released early from his 18-month assault sentence in January, having been convicted of attacking a teenager with a golf club. Previously it was stipulated that he would have to return to prison by 7pm after Sunday’s ceremony; he will now have until 3pm on Monday. This shows a complete lack of impartiality on the part of Jack Straw, with statements from him doing little to address concerns about favouritism. He said ‘It is crucial that offenders are treated equally within the rules regardless of the publicity surrounding their case but I was satisfied that it was reasonable to allow this’ (1), with a spokesperson adding: ‘Jack has enormous sympathy for Jade Goody and her family at this time’ (2). These two quotes make a mockery of the idea of one justice for everyone – does sympathy from a political figure now mean that you can pull strings at the Justice Department? Allowing wanton publicity of private concerns may compromise key rational tenets of our society, pulling on emotions to the detriment of common sense. Jade Goody should certainly not be allowed to exploit her own death if it means compromising the concept of impartial law. (1) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article577 2241.ece (2) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article577 2241.ece