The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has given its support to the directive by Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah for trial judges to first call cases of senior lawyers.
According to the GBA, the move is an age-old practice and will afford the juniors lawyers the opportunity to learn from the senior lawyers in the court room.
“The GBA fully and completely associates itself with the subject matter under reference and lends full support to the adherence to the age-old tradition and practice among members of the legal fraternity, especially courtroom practitioners, of calling cases of persons whose names are on the Roll of Lawyers, in order of seniority of enrolment, notwithstanding the notion of equality at the Bar,” the GBA disclosed in a statement.
The Association reiterated that “the GBA unreservedly endorses the directive by the Chief Justice to ALL trial judges and reiterates the position canvassed in the Chief Justice’s circular that the age-old tradition and practice of calling cases of persons whose names are on the Roll of Lawyers, in order of seniority of enrolment, notwithstanding the notion of equality at the Bar, presents a unique and special opportunity for Lawyers, particularly those relatively young at the Bar, to learn from the rich experience of senior Lawyers, especially the advocacy skills of such senior Lawyers.”
According to the GBA, the Association is well informed about the directive to trial judges and members must comply accordingly.
The Association further explained that “various shades of comments and opinions expressed by different persons, particularly persons who are not known to the GBA to have been called to the Bar in Ghana, and therefore do not practice in the courts of Ghana, on the Chief Justice’s position on the age-old tradition and practice, and wish to state that courtroom practice in Ghana and for that matter, the legal profession in Ghana is characterized by certain revered age-old traditions, ceremonies, and practices, which must not be done away with or compromised under any circumstances.”
“The GBA wishes to inform ALL Lawyers that the directive by the Chief Justice to ALL trial judges per the circular dated the 22nd day of March 2022, is also the decision of the General Legal Counsel.
Background
The Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah in a statement issued recently called on Trial Court Judges to first call cases for senior lawyers before junior lawyers in the BAR.
Mr. Anin Yeboah stated that he has observed that the age-old tradition has been abandoned.
“It has recently been drawn to my attention, that some Trial Court Judges are not observing this practice in court.
“Whilst the right to call a case out of turn is not absolute and is exercisable subject to the convenience of the court, for the reasons mentioned above, I would request all Trial Court Judges to strictly adhere to this age-old tradition and resort to inviting applications from Seniors first.”
