GB just a qualification: I am an ex lawyer. Practised as such for 18 years. Appeared in every court in the country except the Constitutional court. Retired from practise 4 years ago. Defended any criminal, murederers, rapists, child molesters, robbers, Hijackers, petty thieves, drunk drivers, you name it.
Finished close on 200 divorces. Acted for many plaintiffs and defendants in civil suits. Fought for illegal casinos against the gambling board. Acted for the poorest of the poor against abuse by the State and big corporations.
In the end, it was the incompetence of the bench that made me quit. When people who were clerks in the dept of justice became prosecutors and magistrates, and the police effectively had their hands tied behind their backs, I saw where justice in this country was heading. Just 1 or 2 absurd examplles: We attend debtors court. I call the debtors name 3x without reply. In court I ask for a warrant of arrest as the debtor is absent. The MAGISTRATE says 'No I am here and I want to pay R200-00 per month'. In another case there was a collision at an intersection. The vehicle skipping the stop sign is awared 40 percent of his damages! To top it all the innocent guy got 80%. HUH????
Only after our 'grand' constitution was it possible for an accused to see a copy of the docket before a trial. Imagine how Oscar's team would have battled if they did not have every statement of every state witness when preparing for trial?
The law has changed tremendously in the past 20 years. That is not what I aspired as a young law student. That is why I am out
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