This week's award for the person who has done the most for the reputation of the profession goes to the Canadian lawyer representing a man charged with murdering a policeman.

The lawyer, it was reported, sung Bob Marley's 'I shot the sheriff but I swear it was in self-defence' as he left the courtroom.

His client had indeed claimed self-defence but was convicted and sentenced to 25 years.

The lawyer has since apologised, but it has not been enough to prevent the Quebec Law Society from launching an investigation.