Bar of Northern Ireland affirms commitment to cab rank rule
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The Bar Library Belfast
Credit: Albert Bridge [CC BY-SA 2.0]
In light of commentary regarding high profile cases before the courts in recent weeks, the Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the cab rank rule and the essential role performed by the independent referral Bar in delivering access to justice for all. The full statement is set out below.
“Members of the Bar of Northern Ireland serve the administration of justice and the public interest without fear or favour.
“In exercising their duties both to their clients and the courts, barristers play a vital role in safeguarding the legal rights afforded to all citizens across Northern Ireland.
“The cab rank rule is a bedrock obligation for the independent referral Bar. The rule means that barristers cannot discriminate between clients, and that they must take on any case, provided that it is within their competence and they are available.
“Barristers do not choose their clients, nor do they associate themselves with their clients’ opinions by virtue of representing them.
“The cab rank rule promotes access to justice. It means that clients will not be deprived of the advocate of their choice because the client or the client’s cause could be seen as objectionable or unpopular.
“Members of the legal profession must always be permitted to perform their professional duties, in facilitating fair and equal access to justice for all, without fear or favour and also without threat or intimidation.
“The Bar Council asserts the principle that it is the role of the barrister to advise and represent their client, always subject to their duties to the court”.
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