In my 23 years as a lowly JP I have seen many examples of appalling advocacy both by prosecution and defence. At times I have had cause to pull up advocates for their behaviour. At what stage might this be perceived (wrongly in my view) as bullying? I am always polite but I am firm. They are not to know that I am myself a solicitor and former prosecutor. Am I now at risk of an accusation of being a bully simply by trying to do my job as a presiding justice?

A false accusation from an advocate with an axe to grind would certainly mean a stressful investigation and almost certain censure. Sadly, we still see young advocates with an arrogance far beyond their sometimes limited abilities. Let us not set up a system with the usual unintended consequences, righting one wrong with another.

Jennie Kreser, Bickley

Topics