Mpofu lowered the bar with his unbecoming behaviour
THE careless outburst of Dali Mpofu SC at the State Capture Inquiry is tantamount to gross judicial misconduct. The judiciary is a very noble profession steeped in history and tradition. Judicial officers are expected to uphold those customs as they traverse the profession.
Recently it has been observed with great disenchantment the slow erosion of established etiquette practices. Mpofu’s aggressive style of presenting legal arguments are crude acts of judicial intimidation.
Aggressive lawyers act without respect for others. This damages interpersonal relationships, leading to an un-cooperative environment that makes resolution or agreement impossible.
Maintaining a decorum in and around a judicial environment is not merely a superficial means of protecting the image of lawyers and judges, it is absolutely essential to the administration of justice.
A lawyer’s role in maintaining decorum is substantial. A lawyer is not only the advocate for a client, he/she is an officer of the court bound to uphold the court’s integrity and to preserve the administration of justice.
Given their critical and pivotal role in the administration of justice in judicial proceedings, things that lawyers say do have an important impact on the administration of justice. Arguments that they present are likely to have a negative or prejudicial effect on the outcome of a case. A garrulous lawyer, who spews forth personal opinions, loses the respect of the presiding judge.
It is imperative lawyers should at all times respect the decorum of the court and act with courtesy to one’s opponent. One of the foremost rules of etiquette applies in the treatment of the judge. Lawyers must be reminded that the judge has ultimate authority in the courtroom.
The “shut up” outburst by Mpofu was unbecoming behaviour by a brilliant lawyer that displayed total disregard for the judicial system and a complete lack of respect for Deputy Justice Raymond Zondo. An unconditional apology is warranted. FAROUK ARAIE | GAUTENG