Will the Courts stop a Blackhole from Devouring the Earth?

The question might be an exageration of the facts but that is exactly what is being asked of courts around the World where injunctions are being sought to stop the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) from being used. 

So what's the background? (New Scientist)

The LHC is a multi-billion euro project based at CERN in Switzerland.  It has been designed and constructed to conduct the most detailed particle physics experiments yet devised in a search for exotic particles that are believed to exist in theory.  The physics world waits in anticipation for its results. 

On the other side are the people that are worried that it will create a blackhole that will destroy the planet.  They are seeking injunctions in courts around the world to stop the collider from being used for its designed purpose. 

It is up to the courts what will happen next but it really is a very complicated case with detailed scientific knowledge required to make a judgment.  Either way the consequences of judgement could be huge. 

So why hasn't the World yet disappeared into a blackhole?  The LHC hasn't yet been used to complete its primary task.  When it was first switched on it was being 'run in' and suffered problems with its cooling.  Currently sceintists are taking it easy and powering up to moderate levels.  Only when the LHC is run at full power and beams of particles are collided will we know the real outcome. 

The LHC features in Angels and Demons if you'd like a dramatised view of it working.