APPOINTMENT OF K.C.’S

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 17, 15 October 1943, Page 3

APPOINTMENT OF K.C.’S

Proposal That Practice Cease

A suggestion that no more Kings Counsel should be appointed in ±xew Zealand, even after the war, is made in the latest issue of the “New Zealand. Law Journal.” .... , i, “When, last. Marell, this journal published a leading article expressing the opinion that there should be uo appointments of King's Counsel till after the war, there were a few who were emphatic and vocal in their assertions that that view was not. really representative of professional opinion in this country, writes “Scriblex.” “Whatever doubt, if any, may hitherto have existed on tins point has now been decisively dispelled by the New Zealand Law Society, which, after consulting all district societies for their views on the matter, has informed the Prime Minister that in the opinion of the majority of the district societies no appointments of King’s Counsel should be made in wartime. The profession has thus unequivocally expressed its attitude as to wartime appointments; but there is another, and wider, question, which still remains outstanding. There is a.considerable body of professional opinion which holds strongly to the view that there should be no.further grants of the patent in this country. Their reasons are weighty, and Ixlloll peace conies and the profession has restored to its ranks those of its numbers who are on war service, it is to be hoped that, before any further appointments are made, steps will be taken, either through the councils of the New Zealand and district societies or at a legal conference, to ascertain the opinion of the whole profession on the matter.”