By Alagie Manneh
Fifty-three students who have successfully completed academic and vocational stages of their training from university and the Gambia Law School have been called to the Gambia Bar, a professional association of lawyers.
Addressing the young interpreters of law at the Supreme Court building in Banjul, Chief Justice Hassan Jallow told them ‘true’ success at the Bar requires a lifetime of continuous learning, not only of the law, but the burning issues of everyday which confront our communities.
“The profession is rightly described as noble due to its dedication to justice,” the Chief Justice said. “At the heart of justice lies qualities of honesty, integrity and professionalism. You are all being called to the bar because he council is satisfied that not only do you satisfy the academic and vocational credentials required for the profession; but because it is also satisfied that you are fit and proper persons character wise for call to the bar.”
The Chief Justice said these young lawyers are now expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and professionalism.
“You must discharge fully your duties to your clients but within the ambit of the law; you must always remember that you are officers of the court and as such you have a duty to assist the court in its search for the truth and for the delivery of justice; justice requires that you come to the assistance of the weak and disadvantaged; you a duty to ensure that the machinery of justice functions efficiently and that it does not frustrate those who seek recourse to it.
Remember always that the community, in addition to the laudable efforts of your sponsors – has also invested in your education; you owe the community in return to be at its service, to assist it in the light of your knowledge and skills in its quest for peace and progress based on respect for the rule of law and respect for human rights.”
According to the Chief Justice, these qualities are what make true members of the ‘noble and learned profession.’
