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Arthur: The other advocacy quality scheme that's in place of course, is capitalism; a punter won't pick a solicitor if he's rubbish in court, and will shout at his solicitor if he instructs a rubbish barrister.

I'm not sure your 'College of Advocates' plan would work, though. I've no reason to believe it wouldn't turn into a box-ticking exercise as everything else has in the last few years. The higher rights course certainly was; some of those who passed should not be let loose in any court, let alone the higher courts.

For me, the greatest incentive to do well in court was the desire not to appear foolish and to do a good job for the client. I don't think any course or assessment will replace good old fashioned enthusiasm and hard work.