This book examines the state of access to criminal justice by
considering the health of the lawyer-client relationship under legal
aid. In the largest study of its kind for some two decades,
ethnographic fieldwork is used to gain a fresh perspective upon the
interaction that lies at the heart of the criminal justice system's
equality of arms. The research produces two contradictory messages; in
interview, lawyers claim a positive relationship with their clients
while, under participant observation, there emerges quite the
opposite. Paying more heed to what was seen than what was said, it is
supposed that these lawyers were able to talk the talk but not walk
the walk. The lawyers treat their clients with wanton disrespect;
making fun of them, talking over them and pushing them to plead guilty
– despite protestations to the contrary. The evidence is damning for
this branch of the legal profession – and tragic for the clients who
depend on them. What is responsible for this malaise…inadequate
financial remuneration? Increased time pressures? Lapsed ethical
training? Whatever the origin, this book is intended to show the
profession that there is a problem – one that could get worse unless
they choose to learn from the mistakes made by the lawyers in this
study.
Les mer
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781782252214
Publisert
2015
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Vendor
Hart Publishing
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter