A Justice of the Appeal Court, Mr Justice Samuel Marful-Sau, has expressed concern over the sinking image of the legal profession in the country. He noted that for the sake of money, some lawyers yield to their clients' desire to frustrate and undermine due process by repeatedly filling unmeritorious processes in court. He said the lawyers did that in utter disregard for the ethics of the profession. Mr Justice Marful-Sau lamented that law practice had now become a purely commercial enterprise because of the quest for financial success, a situation which he said was creating unhealthy competition among lawyers. Speaking at a one-day seminar as part of activities lined up for the 37th Law Week celebration of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana, Legon, Mr Justice Marful-Sau said lawyers were respected members of society. The week is on the theme, "Restructuring legal education in Ghana: A call on stakeholders". He pointed out that respect was bestowed on lawyers because of the qualities demonstrated by the forebears of the profession, who used their legal knowledge to advance the cause of justice for all, both the rich and the poor. He said respect for lawyers was fast fading, even among lawyers, because most of them were not frank and sincere in their dealings with clients and in their submissions in court. Justice Marful-Sau said these days judges were even reluctant to take counsel's word seriously at the bar, adding that there was, therefore, the need to redeem the sinking image of the legal profession. "There is no better place to start the crusade than in the faculty where students are being trained to become future lawyers," he stressed. He urged lawyers to act with dignity, honesty and truthfulness in all their activities with their clients, the public and their employers, adding, "Incivility and discourtesy cannot be condoned in a profession such as ours. We belong to a very noble, enviable and traditionally respected profession where shouting is not known." A Chief State Attorney, Mrs Ama Banful, attributed the increasing number of remand prisoners to delays in hearing criminal cases. She said in the past, criminal cases were given priority, "but that is not the case any more". She said civil cases were now heard in the mornings, while criminal cases were heard in the afternoon, when everybody was virtually tired. Mrs Banful told the aspiring lawyers that there was little glamour and exposure in prosecution and added that the basis of a good lawyer was to be very good at the bar. The Chief State Attorney said the role of a lawyer was to defend his or her client, noting, however, that the profession was gradually losing respect due to the activities of some lawyers. A human rights activist, Nana Oye Lifuur, advised Law students not to dwell too much on the financial gains but serve mankind, which is more fulfilling. Source: Daily Graphic