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April is MYTHBUSTING month
It seems that a large number of myths have developed about what is involved in being defence counsel. The judges and others have been confused into believing them, so (helpful as ever) let me bust a few:
It seems that a large number of myths have developed about what is involved in being defence counsel. The judges and others have been confused into believing them, so (helpful as ever) let me bust a few:
1. In the morning, before a hearing, the pre-trial con with the client is actually very important. When the cells say “not before 9.30 or after 4.30
2. Moreover, if the defendant has been stuck in a bus for ages and arrived a few minutes to pee or gather thoughts
2. Moreover, if the defendant has been stuck in a bus for ages and arrived a few minutes to pee or gather thoughts
3. It takes time to get in and out of the cells and, often, they don’t fetch the client until you have booked in. That’s why I need 25 mins for a 10 minute conversation
4. Clients are not passive receptacles of my wisdom - they have questions, concerns or just need support.
4. Clients are not passive receptacles of my wisdom - they have questions, concerns or just need support.
5. Every time you have an “early start” in a case or a late finish then it makes it impossible to fulfil these basic client care needs
6. A video hearing is an impossible way to do anything requiring sensible client care. If lucky you get 10 mins with the client.
6. A video hearing is an impossible way to do anything requiring sensible client care. If lucky you get 10 mins with the client.
7. You can’t show them anything nor can you properly judge reactions. If you are in some courts, the hearing takes place immediately after the con so you have to finish early and rush up.
8. They are definitely not appropriate for anything which needs a signed endorsement!!
8. They are definitely not appropriate for anything which needs a signed endorsement!!
