Justice Bruce-Lyle chides silent legal fraternity

A HIGH COURT JUDGE wants to know why the country is not hearing the opinions of the legal fraternity on the current constitutional debate.{{more}}

Resident High Court Judge Frederick Bruce-Lyle told lawyers at a special sitting of the High Court to mark the start of the 2009-2010 law term there appeared to be an unacceptable dormancy of public opinions by members of the legal profession.

Justice Bruce-Lyle implored lawyers to get involved in matters of national concern, especially now since the process of constitution reform is most pertinent.

“I cannot understand for the love of the people that this country is going through the constitution reform process and we have very few lawyers making any comments on the constitutions,” Bruce-Lyle noted.

With the exception of a few lawyers such as Jomo Thomas, Dr Linton Lewis and Queen’s Counsel Parnel Campbell airing their views on radio talk shows and other forums, Bruce-Lyle noted that no other lawyers had championed the cause to educate the nation on issue relating to the proposed constitution.

“This begs the question: Are the members of the bar only interested in themselves…? What are we doing to contribute to this society?”

He said that while he does not always agree with what the lawyers say on the radio, he is happy that they are sharing their views and commended them on the work done.