Dear Editor,

Permit me to give my observation over the years of the conduct of attorneys-at-law in the lower court and the Supreme Court, in whatever capacity, including attorneys practising both at the public and private bar.

I have always been proud of this noble profession and of my colleagues. However I have noticed year after year the lack of respect from the bench to the private bar and from the private bar to the bench, and generally to the witness, all in my view to gain publicity. When such publicity reflects quite rightly on the character, conduct, and ethics of members of the bar, it is past time for remedial action.

Whatever solution you adopt, may I suggest twice-yearly seminars called a period of “pupilage” as a prerequisite to being called to practise law. They should be tutored in the cannons of conduct and ethics at the bar by eminent jurists and attorneys; to respectfully name a few, but not exclusively, the Hon Frank Phipps, Hon Lloyd Barnett, Hon Raoul Henriques, Hon Hugh Small, who will lecture and certify that each attorney took the course. My apologies for mentioning their names without their consent.

In my days as a student, there was a small book titled Conduct and Ethics at the Bar. I had it in England, but have not seen it in Jamaica. Copies should be made available to each attorney, at minimal cost, and should be available at the Law Library at the Supreme Court.

Finally, senior attorneys should be aware of the example they set and stop being incorrigible rogues — it is no joke. It is disgusting. I am sorry you will have to find ways of reining them in; maybe the Disciplinary Committee could assist here.

Ruby C Walcott

Retired Resident Magistrate