Cherie Blair, the poll tax and what barristers have to do : LETTERS
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.YOUR report on the professional activities of Miss Cherie Booth ("Cherie Blair sought to keep poll defaulter in jail", 22 January) risked setting a dangerous precedent by directing personal criticism at a barrister for defending an unpopular client. In the interests of justice, it is essential that any litigant, however unpopular his cause, opinions or conduct should be able to find representation of the same quality as any other litigant. If lawyers are vilified by any section of the public or media for conducting a client's case and fearlessly putting that case forward, this will act as a disincentive to take on such clients. Those people will then be denied the opportunity of a fair trial which British justice demands. That is why the rules of the Bar deny - and should be known to deny - barristers a free choice in the cases they take on. Although your report paid lip service to the cab-rank rule, its spirit in castigating Miss Booth for her conduct in court and for being associated with a cause which the Labour Party disliked, undermined the importance of this rule.
Peter Goldsmith QC Chairman The General Council of the Bar London WC1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments