RIGHTS OF AUDIENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Rights of audience, in the legal context, refer to the legal permissions granting an individual the ability to represent clients and speak in a court of law. It is the authority given by law to practitioners to advocate on behalf of their clients in a judicial or quasi-judicial setting.
Having rights of audience entails the lawyer's entitlement to appear before a court or tribunal, present arguments, question witnesses, and take other necessary steps to present and defend a client's case. This fundamental concept encompasses the ability to address the court, make submissions, and plead on behalf of a client.
These rights are typically granted to individuals who have completed the necessary legal training and obtained the required qualifications. Lawyers and barristers are generally considered to have full rights of audience. Solicitors, on the other hand, often acquire limited rights of audience and may require additional authorization to advocate in higher courts.
Rights of audience are essential for a fair and effective judicial system, as they ensure that individuals have proper legal representation when facing legal proceedings. These rights enable lawyers to protect their clients' interests and safeguard the principles of justice. Legal practitioners with rights of audience play a vital role in providing a voice for their clients, presenting evidence, and argumentatively persuading the court or tribunal in accordance with the law.
