The Criminal Advocate. An Analysis of their Qualities and their Situation in the Criminal Justice System

Document from the year 2012 in the subject Law - Criminal process, Criminology, Law Enforcement, grade: 2.1, City University London, course: LLM Criminal Litigation, language: English, abstract: The new quality assurance scheme for advocates shows that there is a growing concern about the quality of criminal advocates in England and Wales. Still, lawyers must be able to act in their clients' best interests and act out in court with full emotion so they can convey their stories much more effectively and be more convincing. But what are a criminal advocate's most important qualities? How can these qualities be evaluated? And how could non-legal professions contribute to improving the quality of advocacy for the stakeholders in the criminal justice system? James M. Corbett provides general knowledge of the judicial process and the fundamental qualities an advocate must possess in order to practice law in the Criminal Justice System. His book is educational and of assistance to anyone studying or practicing Criminal Law. It aims to be beneficial and reassuring to victims of Crime and anyone who may have to attend court for any reason. On the basis of the new quality assurance scheme, Corbett describes how the qualities of advocates can be evaluated and improved.

Biography Name and credentials: James Michael Corbett, LLB, PGC, GFTD, GCILEx Previous degrees: Professional Graduate Fast Track Diploma in Legal Practice (GFTD), University of Westminster, 2017 PGC Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Litigation, The City Law School, 2012 LLB Bachelor of Laws (Degree), London South Bank University, 2011 Area of specialism: Crime and litigation Experience: James has recently completed a Professional Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GFTD) which is equivalent to the LPC (Legal Practice Course). He is a member of the (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) CILEx and has attained Graduate membership of the institution. He first became interested in law and politics from an early age and after talking to a local solicitor at a School careers fair he came away more determined than ever to pursue his interest in Law. James pursued his academic studies in Law at London South Bank University and in his second year handled a mock case which gave him experience of interviewing clients and assisting them with legal problems, such as claims in damages for personal injury. In his final year he wrote a law project based on the defense of provocation. He gained a detailed understanding of Law and legal analysis from his degree. He then went on to attend the City Law School where he specialised in criminal litigation and has acquired practical knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system. During his time at Law school he developed a clear understanding of the Criminal sector as well as an awareness of future developments in this field. He participated in trial observations and acquired practical experience and an in depth awareness of the criminal bar. He attended a trial at the local Crown Court where he was particularly intrigued by the interplay between the judge and the advocates. James has combined academic study with part time paid employment and has practiced as a professional McKenzie Friend and has experience in handling clients and assisting those who are unrepresented in court. He keeps up to date with business and legal issues by reading the Financial Times, law magazine, journals, including The Lawyer and Legal Week. Professional membership: GCILEx professional at the Chartered Institute of legal Executives (CILEx) 2015 - Present Future ambitions: James's long term ambition is to pursue a Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy) and become a doctor of Law with an emphasis into teaching Law.