tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110794854146484721.post3134633544224139572..comments2024-03-29T08:05:56.264+00:00Comments on Law and Lawyers: Legal News Roundup - Monday 8th NovemberObiterJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544226917595022902noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110794854146484721.post-41750481838123002002010-11-09T22:34:10.811+00:002010-11-09T22:34:10.811+00:00I never am quite up-to-date enough to comment on t...I never am quite up-to-date enough to comment on the system that is legal aid. However, as an experienced lay bench chairman, I see very few unrepresented defendants, save for the low end of motoring matters. Those whom I do see have often dismissed their advocates. Today we had what turned out to be an unpleasant harassment case, with a domestic violence overtone. The defendant had applied for and been granted legal aid before today, had instructed a solicitor, fired him and instructed another. She then fired him too and believed she could do a better job. needless to say she (in my opinion) couldn't and walked out of the trial after ten minutes. I warnedher of the inadvisability, as did the clerk, but there was no solicitor. It will not surprise you to learn that we convicted (evidence from two credible witnesses, a council official and a police officer). She faces a custodial penalty and 12 months would suit us better than six in this case (previous convictions, nature of harassment etc etc).<br /><br />Please don't assume all, or even many, defnedants are unrepresented.rex_imperatornoreply@blogger.com