Four Bars issue joint statement on the cab rank rule

The Four Bars of England and Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland issued a joint statement on 26 May, which reaffirms their commitment to the cab rank rule. The statement describes the rule as the ‘bedrock obligation’ for the independent referral Bar, which ensures that barristers cannot discriminate between clients. The cab rank rule, according to the independent referral bars of England and Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland: promotes access to justice; recognises that it is for judges and juries to decide and to judge, and that passing judgment is not the role of advocates; imposes an obligation on the independent referral bar to accept work even from those with whom they profoundly disagree, and of whom they profoundly disapprove; and means that the role and duty of advocates is to advise, and then to represent, always subject to their duties to the court.