The question “Can a lawyer defend someone they know is guilty?” challenges how justice truly works in South Africa. Many people assume that once guilt is known, a lawyer should step aside — but that is not how our legal system functions. Under South African law, every accused person, regardless of guilt, has the constitutional …
The question “Can lawyers choose not to defend someone?” comes up often, especially in emotionally charged cases. In South Africa, the short answer is yes, lawyers can refuse to take on a client or withdraw from a case — but only under lawful and ethical circumstances. While the Constitution gives every person the right to …
The question “What do lawyers do when they know their client is guilty?” is one that exposes the heart of what it means to practise law in South Africa. It’s uncomfortable, ethical, and deeply misunderstood by the public. Many assume that a lawyer’s job is to prove their client’s innocence at any cost, but that’s …
The question “Can lawyers lie to defend their client?” is one of the most debated issues in South African law. Many clients believe that their lawyer’s job is to “win at all costs,” even if that means bending the truth in court. However, South African legal ethics draw a very clear line: a lawyer cannot …
The question “Is it legal for a lawyer to lie in South Africa?” often comes up when clients feel their attorney is hiding something, misrepresenting facts, or bending the truth to protect a case. In a legal system that depends on honesty and integrity, the short answer is no, it is not legal for a …
Few acts in the legal profession carry consequences as severe as when a lawyer lies to a judge in South Africa. The courtroom is meant to be a place of truth, fairness, and respect for justice. Judges rely entirely on the integrity of lawyers to present facts honestly and accurately. When a lawyer crosses that …
The question “Why do lawyers need to defend even the worst criminals?” is one that often sparks outrage and moral debate. In South Africa, where crimes such as murder, corruption, and gender-based violence deeply affect society, many people struggle to understand why lawyers would willingly represent those who seem obviously guilty. Yet, this question goes …
Few legal questions provoke as much anger and discomfort as “Why do lawyers defend rapists?” For many South Africans, this question feels deeply personal, especially in a country where gender-based violence remains a national crisis. Yet, within the emotional weight of this issue lies a fundamental truth: lawyers defend accused rapists not to excuse sexual …
The question “Can a lawyer represent themselves in court in South Africa?” often sparks curiosity among both legal professionals and the public. The short answer is yes — a lawyer can legally represent themselves in court. However, while it is allowed under South African law, it is not always a wise decision. The choice comes …