Representing a Murderer
Storyboard Text
- Stuart, I just began working on the Davidson murder case and I was hoping you could point me in the right direction here. 
- of course Shane, take a seat and tell me what you are having trouble with.
- Well, Davidson just admitted to me that he did murder his wife.
- Oh okay, well, it is not our job to determine guilt Shane
- Yes, I know however, Davidson wants to plead not guilty! how do I represent a client that I know is guilty?
- What about professional conduct? and ethical considerations? I am not sure where I stand.
- I mean, I am a new lawyer, don't I have some kind of obligation to the court, to share the truth?
- Although there is no fundamental right to legal representation in Australia, there is a right to a fair trial and the High Court in Dietrich v R held that a fair trial was unlikely without legal representation
- firstly, it is important for you as a new lawyer to set aside any personal issues with the morals and values you may have, and approach the case with a dispassion for service.
- Well, as the firm has accepted the Davidson case, you now must operate within the rules until completion of legal services, r 4.1 provides that you 'must act in the best interests of the client' and r 'deliver legal services in a competent manner'. 
- What about the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules?
- Ultimately Rule 8.1 provides that you must follow the clients instructions, I wish you all the best Shane, Often as lawyers we must set aside the question of right and wrong, it is not our place to decide, that burden remains with the courts.
- Thanks for the reassurance Stuart, ill give it my best shot.
Over 30 Million Storyboards Created