Lawyers ethics under spotlight

Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says the ethical standard of lawyers has dropped over the years. In highlighting this during a panel discussion Mr Turaga said this was an issue that must be addressed by the Fiji Law Society.

Mr Turaga was part of the panel discussion of the Fiji Law Society Convention at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour on Friday.

Other lawyers who were part of the panel discussion were Shailend Krishna, Shoma Devan, Bhunpendra Solanki, Roopesh Singh and John Rabuku.

Mr Turaga said he had seen a lot of lawyers arriving late in court, this was a sign of disrespect to the court.

He said this caused a lot of unnecessary hassle to the court proceeding.

“I have also seen some lawyers placing their legs on the chair in the court house,” he said.

“Another issue was young lawyers rushing to the front chairs where senior lawyers are supposed to sit. “As young lawyers we learn from our seniors. They observe, this was something that seniors need to take note of.

“We need to see where we are failing in this area and address it as soon as possible.”

In support, Ms Devan said it was sad to note that some lawyers were deliberately lying to the court. “I have personally seen some lawyers exaggerating and misinterpreting the facts in courts while some have ceased opportunities to mislead judges,” she said.

“The general public’s perception on lawyers is we are liar. Let me remind you lawyers that you cannot lie and be dishonest.

“If you know that a lawyer is misleading the judge let me advise you to rise up and inform the judge, keep the record straight.”

She said everyone must uphold their value and ethics while in the court room.

Unprepared lawyers

Meanwhile, Mr Rabuku noted instances where lawyers were unprepared when appearing for cases in the Magistrates Court.

Mr Rabuku said this was the shenanigan happening within the Magistrates Court rather than at the High Court.

He said if lawyers went unprepared to the High Court they would face reprimand.

“Do not double book. It is important for you as lawyers to keep a diary in your office to ensure that you do not double book,” Mr Rabuku said.

“If you have a double book as a senior lawyer you should ensure that one of your junior should represent you on your behalf.”

He said most lawyers come unprepared during trial.

“If you sit inside there and listen to the question and answers you will know that the lawyer came unprepared,” he said.

“When you see a criminal proceeding many lawyers are only limited to the documents handed to them by the Fiji Police Force.

“Most of you think that we cannot think out of the box and we can get key witnesses than those given by relevant authorities.”

He said this was an area lawyers must improve on.