Hello!

I was surprised to read in the media of a report, about the experiences of a female black barrister in the course of her duties, within the U.K justice system. It reminded me of the attitude of a white female Career Officer who baulked at the words of a female, 12 year old Black British born, Jamaican heritage child, who had the audacity to aspire to become a Barrister. This was in 1971. I did not become a Barrister, but always maintained my interest in The Law, and especially as I now write.

The Career Officer looked at me quizzically, and said, “Don’t you think that is too ambitious?” I must admit, after quickly getting over my initial shock to her response, I ignored her completely, considered her a fool, not fit to be in the position she was in and to be responded to, nor to advise or guide a child on anything to do with a future career. Furthermore, in my opinion then, she was incompetent as not to give me any useful advice as an impressionable young child. Yes, this was me, at the grand age of 12 years, just entering high school, and was fully aware of how I should be spoken to.

I recall in the 1970’s and 1980’s West Indian born persons who trained in England to become qualified Barristers, and were British Citizens, had a very warm time defending their clients in U.K. Courts of Law. From what I understood then, there were times the respective presiding Judge on the bench went about the business to make it difficult for the black barrister to proceed with the case. This resulted in a diplomatic stand off, and altercation, with the presiding Judge. I am aware Barristers and the direction in which they are proceeding will be called in to question by the Judge from time to time. However, when it becomes a ritual and a commonality to treat a ethnic group of Barristers in a particular manner which suggests a shortcoming(s) for no valid reason, then pertinent questions need to be asked why.

In the 2020’s, according to the report, the black barrister has now been ‘elevated’ to that of ‘misidentification as the defendant’ or at the police station as the ‘mother’ or ‘father’ of the ‘defendant’, or worse yet verbally embarrassed by being told by officials in the Court or Court Building that the black Barrister is either in ‘the wrong place’ or directed to where that person should be as a ‘defendant’ regardless of the official attire worn in Court to defend one’s case. This is what I understand of the media report regarding the experiences of a black female Barrister, and other Barristers, male and female, within the legal profession in the U.K. today.

The humiliation of the black Barrister – male or female, as it was in the past, seems to be ‘all the rage’ now. I would be willing to hear the rationale behind all of this, just in case I have missed something.

Until then, I will express my understanding of the ‘rationale’ of adverse behaviour towards black Barristers in U.K. Courts of Law.

The profession of Barrister, within England, was exclusively for the upper class. Many years later, members outside of that social class chose to train to enter the profession. That, I believe was, and is, now tolerated. However, a ‘colour change’ concerning barristers now entering the profession has brought about, for want of a better expression, a ‘regurgitating’ effect, and is not wanted. Hence the unseemly behaviour that now exists within and without the legal system unabated. I stand to be corrected at any time on my position regarding this issue.

I wish all barristers, regardless of colour, and social class, success in their career. Yet I need to be frank. I do not believe that training of any type to cease social and racial profiling of black barristers, and to enhance social and racial harmony, will meet success in the present climate. If the mindset of the white majority in the legal profession is not willing to change their thinking, the black Barrister should prepare for a VERY bumpy road ahead. All things remain the same since the 1970,’s, and is continuing.

I have no doubt the above will rankle many, but I am tired of the everlasting diplomatic denial ‘merry-go-round’ on the issue.

My conclusion of the matter is that there is a ‘quiet view’ within the U.K. legal profession, and justice system, which maintains the position, that black persons should not be Barristers to defend their people or anybody else against US, and supported by OUR laws. WE are the ones to prosecute, defend, and ultimately convict or acquit, whoever runs foul of OUR laws.

The battle continues…

Time to say it like it is.

Be good.

Louicia