Available online
Description
This programme comprises a series of interviews with legal figures who offer an insight into the life of the Inns of Court.
This programme comprises a series of interviews with legal figures who offer an insight into the life of the Inns of Court.
| Module code and title: | E202, Schooling and society |
|---|---|
| Item code: | E202; 05 |
| First transmission date: | 08-05-1977 |
| Published: | 1977 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:16 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Ken Little |
| Contributors: | Leslie George, Lord Justice Scarman; Michael Zander; Anthony Gifford; Maggie Rae; David McNeill; Martin Flett |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Alternative chambers; Barristers; Inns of court; Legal profession; Professional Conduct Committee |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with Lord Anthony Gifford head of the Alternative Chambers, being interviewed in the Inns of the Court area. He describes some inadequacies in the way Lawyers are trained. Michael Zander, Reader in Law at L.S.E., criticises the profession's examination system. Lord Justice Scarman admits to some gaps in legal training. Gifford contrasts the exclusiveness of the Bar with his own Chambers. Shots of barristers in robes, and of informal conditions at the Alternative Chambers. Maggie Rae, barrister at the Alternative Chambers, explains why she prefers working there. Gifford states the broad aims of his Chambers. In interview David McNeill, Chairman of the Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar Council 1976-77 asserts that barristers have a wide experience. He explains that a barrister's first responsibility is to the Court. In contrast Gifford argues that responsibility should be towards the client. Interviews with McNeill and with Sir Martin Flett, lay representative on the Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar Council 1976-77 Flett describes his job, and how he came by it. McNeill explains how this committee operates. Maggie Rae explains why she dislikes the exclusive nature of the Bar, over shots of life around the Inns of Court. Gifford attacks the social attitudes of most barristers. Zander describes how the present system places the client at a disadvantage. In contrast, Scarman maintains it is in the interests of the client. Maggie Rae supports Zander's argument. McNeill traces the Bar's traditions back several centuries. Zander argues that the emphasis on tradition has many disadvantages. He outlines recent calls for the Bar to reform itself. Gifford argues for reforms in legal education. Zander discribes in detail some of the inconsistencies in the practice of barristers. In the final interview, Scarman defends the Bar against the advocates of change. Shots of a formal meal at Middle Temple Hall. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72448 |
| Production number: | 00525_6150 |
| Videofinder number: | 564 |
| Available to public: | no |
