A Christmas well-being thread.
Today I got shouted at by both Judge & prosecutor.
In fairness, what they were asking was reasonable from their perspectives. The problem was, to answer, or at least in the way they’d have liked, could have been to the detriment of my client.
1/10
Today I got shouted at by both Judge & prosecutor.
In fairness, what they were asking was reasonable from their perspectives. The problem was, to answer, or at least in the way they’d have liked, could have been to the detriment of my client.
1/10
So acting in clients best interests, I was unable to help court/pros & received said shouting.
Of itself, this is no big deal. Although not a common occurrence, being shouted at when trying to protect clients interests, is also not uncommon. we have thick skin after all.
2/10
Of itself, this is no big deal. Although not a common occurrence, being shouted at when trying to protect clients interests, is also not uncommon. we have thick skin after all.
2/10
But then I ponder.
Should it be part of the job to receive a shouting.
Had my prosecutor stood back and thought, he would have realised I couldn’t answer and why not. The judge was once at the bar and must have experienced similar issues in practise...
3/10
Should it be part of the job to receive a shouting.
Had my prosecutor stood back and thought, he would have realised I couldn’t answer and why not. The judge was once at the bar and must have experienced similar issues in practise...
3/10
It must be frustrating for the prosecutor not to know what the issues are.
The answer might just be to serve the evidence, let the defence consider it, and await being told what the issues are, rather than attempting to force answers before the evidence has been served.
4/10
The answer might just be to serve the evidence, let the defence consider it, and await being told what the issues are, rather than attempting to force answers before the evidence has been served.
4/10
Equally, it must be frustrating for the court, not knowing if a fixture will be effective or not. Again, the answer I would suggest is not to attempt to force unrealistic orders which can not be complied with.
5/10
5/10
Ultimately, it mattered not. I didn’t back down, received said shouting and will work to try and keep the fixture effective regardless.
What did matter, however, is how this impacts on mood and day to day ‘well being’...
6/10
What did matter, however, is how this impacts on mood and day to day ‘well being’...
6/10
This was not bullying. This was not the sort of behaviour one reads about with disgust, which might prompt calls to the Bar Council.
Rather, it’s our day to day working environment. An environment which still appears very much us vs them (def v pro & court)..
7/10
Rather, it’s our day to day working environment. An environment which still appears very much us vs them (def v pro & court)..
7/10
..and an environment which can simply grind one down incrementally, over time.
And so a Xmas message to judges and prosecution counsel out there
8/10
And so a Xmas message to judges and prosecution counsel out there
8/10
There are very few assholes at the bar. If the defence counsel appears to be acting unreasonably, just consider that they may be acting on instructions and/or in their clients best interests.
They have a job, as you have yours. Rudeness is never called for.
9/10
They have a job, as you have yours. Rudeness is never called for.
9/10
They may not wish to be advancing the unhelpful answer.
In the circumstances, instead of ‘shouting’ and ruining someone’s day, perhaps cut them some slack.
Oh, and Merry Christmas.
Ends
#Wellbeing
In the circumstances, instead of ‘shouting’ and ruining someone’s day, perhaps cut them some slack.
Oh, and Merry Christmas.
Ends
#Wellbeing
