The Edgy Encounters: Insights from the Judge's Bench

Throughout the years, many lawyers and law students have encountered unique and memorable instances in court. These experiences often shed light on the judge's perspective and the complexities of legal representation. In this article, we will explore some fascinating and shocking statements made by judges in court.

A 45-Year Journey: From Badass Biker to Law Student

In one heart-wrenching but memorable experience, Jack shared a 45-year-old story. At the age of 17, he was heavily involved in a significant event that marked a turning point in his life. Join us as we dive into this story, which showcases the judge's perspective on legal representation and cases of young offenders.

Background: At 13, Jack was one of 13 individuals charged with unlawful assembly and possession of firearms, a crime that was a big no-no in the UK. It took a year for their case to come to court. During the proceedings, the judge, Michael Harrison Hall, made a statement that would significantly impact Jack's future and that of the 13 defendants.

A Decisive Moment in 1978

It was a somber day when the clerk read out the charges against the 13 defendants. Jack stood alone, with only one charge: unlawful assembly. When it was his turn, the stern-faced judge asked, 'How come you only have one charge? The other guys had 4 or 5 each.' Jack replied, 'I was sent to jail a year ago, Judge. You gave me 12 months two days after this event happened, and I got out 2 weeks ago.' The judge, looking down his long nose, responded, 'Fair enough, but you should have retained a real lawyer.'

Despite the judge's stern warning, the outcome for Jack and his peers was starkly different. Nine defendants spent time in jail, three received heavy fines, while Jack received a 12-month conditional discharge. Interestingly, Jack never went back to court. This experience taught him the importance of legal representation and the consequences of making critical mistakes during one's legal journey.

Challenging the Status Quo

Many years later, while a second-year law student at a clinical legal aid clinic, Jack had the opportunity to represent a young man charged with impaired driving, a serious offense in those days. The Crown was proceeding by way of summary conviction, which was the simplified process used for lesser offenses.

A Clash of Constitutional Rights

Jack had a strong defense: the police had charged his client under the wrong section of the law. However, the judge, clearly upset, shouted at Jack, 'You are not allowed to appear and to leave and tell the accused to get a real lawyer.' Jack stood his ground, quoting the law and insisting on his constitutional right to appear. The judge's outrage escalated. He declared, 'You are in contempt of court, young man, and stay one more minute and you will be jailed. I have read the file and...'

These experiences not only highlight the judge's perspective but also demonstrate the complexities and challenges faced by both judge and lawyer in the legal system. They underscore the importance of understanding the law and advocating for one's rights, even against powerful authorities.

Conclusion

The stories shared by Jack offer a unique glimpse into the legal proceedings and the often overwhelming presence of a judge during such moments. Whether it be the harshness of a judge or the persistence of a lawyer, these encounters shape the legal landscape and the broader public's understanding of the justice system.