The Rule Of Law - A Statement From The Bar Council Of Northern Ireland

The rule of law is the foundation of a just society. All are equal before democratically promulgated laws impartially administered by an independent judiciary in public courts.

A strong independent legal profession has always been vital to upholding the rule of law in Northern Ireland. Barristers serve their clients to the best of their ability free from external pressure or personal interest.

The independent profession does not choose its clients nor associate itself with their opinions or beliefs. At all times, barristers have an overriding duty to the court to ensure the proper administration of justice.

In the exercise of their professional obligations to the court and to their clients, members of the independent referral Bar ensure that the legal rights of all are safeguarded without fear or favour. This is so, whether their clients are private citizens, government departments, or neither.

Events of recent weeks have brought the rule of law and the role of the independent judiciary back into urgent focus. We are fortunate to live in a society where the rule of law is steadfastly and courageously administered by an independent judiciary in courts open to all. We all must vigilantly guard and protect the independent judiciary, as it enshrines our rights of access to justice and a fair legal system.

The independent judiciary is the bedrock of the rule of law. Without it, rights and freedoms would remain mere aspirations, incapable of assertion or protection. With this independence, the judiciary ensure that rights and freedoms of all are protected.

This should never be taken for granted.