There is now a huge number of automations and apps to help the modern advocate manage juggling the torrent of information we all manage. I thought I'd share some I use, especially as the current Reader's course comes to a close. A lot of the apps I mention are Apple specific. I'll mention those which …
Tag: advocacy
Using the iPad in legal practice 2015
Back in 2011, when iPads were still not a familiar sight in our courtrooms, I did a series of posts on using the iPad in legal practice.Since then, I've presented that information in various formats, and converted it into a PDF ideally suited for use on an iPad, with hyperlinks to recommended apps and websites.I …
Barbaro v The Queen; Zirilli v The Queen [2014] HCA 2: High Court modifies prosecutors duties at sentencing
“No” to prosecution submissions on sentencing range.In 2008, the Victorian Court of Appeal decided in R v MacNeil-Brown (2008) 20 VR 677 (discussed here) that when asked, prosecutors were required to submit what the prosecution considered was an available range of sentences to impose on an offender, or if the prosecution thought the court would otherwise fall into error.Even then, …
My instructions are…what are my instructions?
The notion in our legal system of advocates acting on instructions is well accepted.Lawyers are contractually and ethically obliged to obey their client’s instructions. Indeed, they may not act contrary to their instructions. It is for this reason that generally, an accused person is bound by the way a trial is conducted by their counsel: TPC v …
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Flesh out argument but bare bones preferred
One of the guiding principles of advocacy is: BE BRIEF.But, sometimes, just occasionally, some lawyers aren’t brief, even if briefed to be brief. (Who knew?)I think sometimes, it’s the fear of missing something. We all live in fear of losing a case on a point that we could have covered, but deliberately didn’t cover in …
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