Dougan knocks lawyers who ‘manipulate the ignorant’

Queen’s Counsel Carlyle Dougan says when he writes his autobiography, he will name lawyers who have manipulated the ignorant for their financial benefit.{{more}}

Dougan made his intentions known at the High Court on Tuesday, where a special sitting was being held to mark the start of the new law term.

“There are three to four lawyers in this state who can be called… ,” Dougan said, as he briefly spoke about the behaviour of some lawyers in the legal fraternity.

Meanwhile, High Court judge Justice Gertel Thom, who presided over the sitting, along with Jamaican judge Wesley James, said “the time has come for the Legal Profession Act.”

The judge, who spoke briefly on the topic, said “If the administration of justice is to play its role, the Legal Profession Act must be in place to instil confidence in the administration of justice.”

The Legal Profession Act, which is already in effect in a number of the territories, including Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada, sets out disciplinary action against lawyers who behave unscrupulously and unprofessionally.

At the sitting, congratulatory remarks were offered to Dame Monica Joseph, who was recently awarded the honour of Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

President of the Human Rights Association Nicole Sylvester was also congratulated for being honoured for her humanitarian work at the law fairs of the OECS Bar.

Addresses also came from Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan, who briefly indicated that the registry will soon be temporarily relocated to accommodate repair work on the courthouse.

President of the Bar Association Dr Linton Lewis, former government minister Rene Baptiste and Nicole Sylvester made brief addresses.