[adrotate banner=”89″]
The international Day of the Endangered Lawyer is an opportunity to recognise our good fortune to live in a country where the rule of law is respected, New Zealand Law Society Rule of Law Committee convenor Austin Forbes QC says.
“Lawyers around the world have marked the Day of the Endangered Lawyer on 24 January each year for the last decade. Over that time a disturbing number of lawyers in quite a few countries have been threatened, beaten, imprisoned or murdered because they spoke out against human rights abuses or represented unpopular clients.
“Every year New Zealand consistently ranks highly in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index. This is something which all New Zealanders should value. It is a fundamental part of our system of government and justice. We can speak out or criticise our government, our justice system and other institutions without fear of arrest or violence. If we are accused of any crime we can expect legal representation and lawyers can act for clients without fear of being threatened or hindered. Unfortunately, this does not happen in some parts of the world.
“The New Zealand Law Society recognises the courage of lawyers around the world who continue to represent clients no matter what they are charged with, and who speak out against oppression and violation of human rights.”
Mr Forbes says along with some 80 other legal organisations, the Law Society has also recently supported the work and efforts of groups such as Lawyers for Lawyers and Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, both of which stand up for lawyers who are threatened or hindered in their criminal justice and related work.
This year’s Day of the Endangered Lawyer has a focus on Pakistan. A report by Avocats Européens Démocrates says over the past several years lawyers in Pakistan have been subjected to acts of mass terrorism, murder, attempted murder, assaults, (death) threats, contempt proceedings, harassment and intimidation in the execution of their professional duties.
The Rule of Law Committee
The New Zealand Law Society’s Rule of Law Committee was established in 2007 after enactment of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 which recognised the upholding of the rule of law as a fundamental obligation for New Zealand lawyers. The committee has a primary focus on domestic rule of law concerns but keeps a watching brief on international issues. It is aware that in all jurisdictions the maintenance of the rule of law requires awareness and vigilance.
Contact: Austin Forbes QC, convenor of the New Zealand Law Society Rule of Law Committee, phone 021 354 245.
Recent Posts
- How UK Lawyer Pay Rates Are Reshaping the Legal Job MarketThe battle for top legal talent in the UK is really heating up, and firms are putting their money where their mouth is—especially when it comes to newly qualified (NQ) lawyers. CMS, DLA Piper, and Ashurst have all just bumped up their NQ salaries. CMS has raised its London NQ salary to £120k, up from £110k, which means they’re now on par with Simmons & Simmons and Travers Smith. And it’s not just London: their NQs in Bristol are now getting £76,500 (up from £70k), while those in Manchester, Sheffield, and Liverpool are up to £68k (from £62k), and in Scotland it’s £68k too (from £60k). That’s a pretty sweet bump across the board! DLA Piper NQs are now looking at £130k, which is a hefty 18 percent year-on-year increase with increases at a lower level in the NQs in the other UK offices.
- How Law Firms Can Avoid Legal AI Adoption MisstepsAchieving Real Benefits From Legal AI Philip Goldberg, LawFuel contributor The rise of legal AI… Read more: How Law Firms Can Avoid Legal AI Adoption Missteps
- What New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys Say About Domestic Violence AllegationsSource: Camili & Capo Attorneys, NJ Facing Allegations That Can Shatter Lives: Understanding Domestic Violence… Read more: What New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys Say About Domestic Violence Allegations
- What to Know About Injury Law and Your RightsArticle: The Siegel Law Group P.A. Injury law protects individuals harmed due to someone else’s… Read more: What to Know About Injury Law and Your Rights
- How Law Professionals Handle Challenging CasesArticle: Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys, LA Law professionals handle challenging cases with expertise, strategy, and… Read more: How Law Professionals Handle Challenging Cases
- Why You Need a Criminal Defense LawyerSource: The Law Place, Law Firm, FL Known for its vibrant coastal lifestyle and growing… Read more: Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer
- How to Handle Investment Fraud Cases EffectivelySource: Meyer Wilson, Ohio In Ohio, investors face a growing challenge as investment fraud cases… Read more: How to Handle Investment Fraud Cases Effectively
- When Celebrity Trials Turn into TikToksCelebrity trials are the new reality TV. The recent cases of Sean “Diddy” Combs and Harvey Weinstein have turned courtrooms into stages, with every detail dissected by fans, critics, and armchair lawyers. Take Weinstein (pictured below at this first trial – Season 1, if you like). After a rollercoaster of headlines, a Manhattan jury just found him guilty again—showing that even powerful figures can be held to account, but not without twists and turns.
- Australia Law News – Arnold Bloch Leibler Announce Senior AppointmentsThe partners of Arnold Bloch Leibler are pleased to announce this year’s Partner and Senior… Read more: Australia Law News – Arnold Bloch Leibler Announce Senior Appointments
- Why Is A Lawyer Essential For Handling California’s Lemon Law Arbitration Process?Article Source: LemonLaws.com When a car, truck, or SUV keeps breaking down despite multiple repair… Read more: Why Is A Lawyer Essential For Handling California’s Lemon Law Arbitration Process?
- How Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers Can Maximize Your CompensationArticle Source: Flaxman Law Group, CO You didn’t ask for this. But now it’s your… Read more: How Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers Can Maximize Your Compensation
