When I was a JP, it was clear that a considerable number of defence solicitors would trot out any old pap in order to help a client - Excuses R Us.My late father, as a Police officer had much experience of courts and suggested a solution to the untruths uttered.
Solicitors are supposed to be 'officers of the court' but all too few take this seriously.
His suggestion was that any statement made to their Worships would have to be made under oath - thus rendering them liable for perjury charges. Brilliant! It would work. At the very least they would be obliged to check the factual base of any lame attempt by a defendant to con the court.
"My client has now determined to solve his drugs problems and has voluntarily joined a programme called Cold Turkey Anonymous."
The accurate translation might read: "I told my client to visit the CTA last week which he did. He has not been back since and has not become part of any rehab project."
Lawyers mislead, Les? Surely not!
