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Why did Vinny lie to the judge about his [in]experience as a lawyer?

  • 58008@lemmy.worldOP
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    1 year ago

    Ahh, I didn’t realise a judge could veto a lawyer like that. I assumed it was the defendant’s prerogative if they wanted a shit lawyer. I mean, if they can choose to defend themselves surely it’s less problematic to hire a qualified-but-new lawyer. Unless that “defending oneself” thing is also something that can be vetoed?

    My knowledge of lawyering is drawn almost entirely from films 🤣

    Cheers mate!

    • redhorsejacket@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Fwiw, in the US, you do have a right to represent yourself in court proceedings, but, in order to exercise that right, the judge must determine that you are competent enough to represent yourself. Here is a link to the department of Justice website which nearly summarizes the case law surrounding this issue, if you want to educate yourself.