The lawyer's word is the citizen's voice

Thursday, 30 April 2026RSS

Professional legal prerogatives do not truly belong to the lawyer, but to the citizen. The right to speak in court is not a corporate privilege, but a functional expression of the fundamental right to access justice and a fair trial. When a lawyer speaks, they represent the citizen's freedom, assets, and rights. Silencing a lawyer without sufficient grounds undermines the citizen's ability to be heard. While the lawyer's speech must be respectful and objective, presiding officers lack the discretionary power to silence the defence. The Bar Association Statute guarantees the right to make requests during proceedings, and any illegitimate refusal to grant the floor can be formally protested, potentially leading to the nullity of the proceedings. Ultimately, an independent legal profession is a vital safeguard for citizens against error and arbitrariness in a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

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