Conspicuous unfairness was not, in other words, a freestanding ground on which a court could act in the absence of unlawful action on the part of the secretary of state.

This was a sovereign decision-making court that defended citizens against any unlawful action of the episcopal officials.

The council was under no duty to prosecute the claimant, nor to assist him to escape the consequences of his unlawful actions.

Each was a senior court of common law, with civil and criminal jurisdiction, and a specific jurisdiction to restrain unlawful actions by public authorities.

There are many accusations that he was actively and ambitiously involved in outlaw gangs which he betrayed, but no one ever conclusively proved he was involved in unlawful actions.