15 December 2004

Last Ditch Attempt To Protect Queen’s Counsel

New Zealand First justice spokesperson Dail Jones will be making a last ditch effort to protect the position of Queen’s Counsel which the Government intends to terminate as a result of the provisions of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Bill.

Mr Jones has prepared an amendment to delete the provisions of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Bill which terminate the position of Queen’s Counsel.

“The ignorance of the Attorney-General with regard to Court matters is no better illustrated than by her insistence on creating a so-called new position of Senior Counsel, which is already in current usage in the Courts,” said Mr Jones.

“The position of Queen’s Counsel has a higher status at the present time than that of Senior Counsel. The removal of the position is an indication that Labour does not recognise the intellect and hard work necessary to become Queen’s Counsel.

“These lawyers set the highest standards and in terms of our unwritten constitution are always available to represent the Queen,” Mr Jones concluded.

ENDS

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