Home Foreign Court service apologises after black barrister assumed to be defendant

Court service apologises after black barrister assumed to be defendant

120
Pupil barrister Luke McLean, who was assumed to be the defendant twice in one day while in court. Photograph: Luke McLean/Guardian

Apology to Luke McLean comes after similar incident involving barrister Alexandra Wilson

The courts service in England and Wales has been forced to apologise for a second time in three months after a barrister of colour was mistaken for a defendant twice in one day.

Pupil barrister Luke McLean was assumed to be the defendant at a London magistrates court last week, when he asked a member of the courtroom staff if the boards listing the day’s cases were accurate as his client was not on the list.

“I’m wearing a three-piece suit, and you ask things in a different way as a professional than you would as a defendant. I think I was carrying my laptop, too,” McLean said.

“But the first thing he responded was, are you the defendant? He didn’t ask if I was the barrister, or the probation officer. I could have been anybody. But the first assumption he makes is that I’m the defendant.”

When McLean went to the administration desk to make sure his client was on the list for the day’s proceedings, a staff member asked if he had received a court summons letter, again implying he was the defendant.

A spokesperson for the Courts and Tribunals Service said they were “deeply sorry” for the “unacceptable experience”, just three months after apologising to barrister Alexandra Wilson after she was mistaken for a defendant three times in one day.

Wilson tweeted that McLean’s experience was “ridiculous”.

“Why hasn’t every single employee been briefed that all they need to do is *ASK* how they can help? Honestly if it takes cue cards spelling out how to address court users then so be it,” she wrote.

McLean said while the incident was “disheartening”, it was not rare.

“It happens a lot in different contexts, from court staff to probation offers and list callers,” he said. “The first thing you do in court is go past security, who have a list of all the defendants due to attend court. Many times I’ve had security ask who I am, looking at the list, and asking where I am on the list. You have list callers shouting the names of defendants, and looking at me.

“There’s a preconception that because I’m a young person of colour, I couldn’t be the barrister.”

McLean said he was inundated with messages from other people of colour about similar experiences they had had in the judicial system and beyond. He called for better training for all court staff about racial biases, but said the issue was far wider than the judicial system.

“If these assumptions didn’t exist in society generally, they wouldn’t exist in our courts,” he said. “There’s no point having an isolated discussion about systemic racism in courts. I think all workplaces need to encourage this type of training. I don’t want this happening again to anybody.”

In a statement, the Courts and Tribunals Service said it remained “completely committed to playing our part in tackling discrimination”.

The body has been developing a Race Action Plan which works with court users and representatives to improve the experience of people of colour in the courts system, and has recently established a network for minority ethnic staff. They are also in the process of extending their race awareness training to all employees.

“We know there is more to do – open forums are already being held to improve our understanding of the challenges minority ethnic colleagues face and race awareness training is being extended for all staff,” a spokesperson said.

Theguardian

RELATED ARTICLES

120 COMMENTS

  1. Can I just say what a comfort to find someone that actually knows what they’re discussing on the web.
    You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.

    A lot more people should look at this and understand this side of your story.
    I was surprised you aren’t more popular given that you most certainly
    have the gift.

    Also visit my web page – Shanice

  2. I feel this is among the most significant information for me.
    And i am satisfied reading your article. But want to statement on some normal things,
    The site taste is wonderful, the articles is in point of fact great :
    D. Good process, cheers

    Check out my web-site: https://randiatchinson.yolasite.com/

  4. If some one wishes to be updated with hottest technologies
    therefore he must be pay a quick visit this website and be up to date every day.

    Feel free to surf to my web site – view more

  6. I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your blog?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people
    could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text
    for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could
    space it out better?

    Here is my homepage: https://apk.tw/space-uid-4424156.html

  7. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.

    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable
    for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create
    your theme? Fantastic work!

    Feel free to surf to my web site :: Spiderman costumes

  8. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Appreciate it!

    Check out my site http://www.phishtank.com/

  9. My brother suggested I would possibly like this website. He was once entirely right.
    This submit truly made my day. You can not consider just how much time I had spent for this info!
    Thanks!

    Feel free to visit my web page; buy costumes review

  10. Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew
    where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having
    trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

    Here is my page: pastelink.net

  13. I think what you posted made a bunch of sense. However, consider this, what if you added a little content?
    I ain’t saying your information isn’t solid., but what if you added a headline that grabbed people’s attention? I mean Court service apologises after black
    barrister assumed to be defendant – Law and Society Magazine.
    is kinda plain. You ought to glance at Yahoo’s home page and note
    how they create news titles to get people to open the links.

    You might try adding a video or a pic or two to grab people interested about everything’ve got to say.
    In my opinion, it could bring your blog a little bit more interesting.

    my homepage … https://botdb.win/wiki/The_Anatomy_Of_Free_Server

  15. What i do not realize is in reality how you’re now not really a lot more neatly-liked than you
    might be now. You’re very intelligent. You know thus significantly in terms of this subject, produced me
    in my view consider it from so many numerous angles.
    Its like men and women aren’t interested unless it’s something to accomplish with Girl gaga!
    Your own stuffs excellent. Always handle
    it up!

    Here is my site – real superhero costume

  16. Usually I don’t read article on blogs, however I wish to say
    that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it!
    Your writing style has been surprised me.
    Thank you, very nice article.

    Also visit my page – cosplay costumes for women

  23. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance.
    I must say you’ve done a excellent job with this. In addition, the blog
    loads super fast for me on Firefox. Exceptional Blog!

    Stop by my homepage – kocek.my

  28. Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
    i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how
    do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.

    Look into my web-site http://www.kickstarter.com

  32. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d
    ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa?
    My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could
    greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send
    me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog
    by the way!

    Here is my page – https://bos123.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=751395

  34. Hi, I do believe this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return yet again since I
    saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

    Feel free to surf to my homepage :: kevinackerman.weebly.com

  35. We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your site provided us with helpful information to work on. You
    have done an impressive activity and our entire community shall be grateful to you.

    My page; menwiki.men

  42. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
    Very useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information much.
    I was seeking this certain info for a very long
    time. Thank you and good luck.

    my website … cheap cosplay costumes

  45. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
    I am quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

    Here is my site :: blogfreely.net

  49. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague
    who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner due to the fact that
    I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
    Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some
    time to discuss this subject here on your web page.

    Also visit my website … autosbaratosenventa.com

  52. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot
    about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with some pics to drive
    the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is great
    blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

    my homepage: morphomics.science

  57. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog
    and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last
    part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking
    for this particular information for a very long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

    My website; http://www.dezobarieri.ge

  58. whoah this blog is wonderful i like studying your articles.
    Stay up the good work! You already know, a lot of people are looking around for this info, you could aid them greatly.

    my website – godotengine.org

  59. Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to
    give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your articles.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same
    topics? Thank you so much!

    Feel free to surf to my blog uz-gis.in.ua

  60. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog
    that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like
    this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look
    forward to your new updates.

    Look at my site; qx.dz169.com

  61. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering
    if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
    like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward
    to your new updates.

    Feel free to visit my blog :: http://www.hulkshare.com

  62. Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m
    new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding expertise to make
    your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my page :: hoidapnhanh.org

  65. You’re so interesting! I do not think I’ve read through a single thing like
    that before. So great to find somebody with a few genuine thoughts on this subject matter.

    Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site
    is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with some originality!

    My site; tuffclassified.com

  66. I am really inspired together with your writing abilities and also with
    the layout for your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or
    did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to see a nice weblog like this one today..

    Review my homepage :: king-wifi.win

  68. That is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.

    Brief but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.

    A must read article!

    Also visit my web site brewwiki.win

  69. Hello there, I discovered your web site by means of
    Google at the same time as looking for a related topic, your web site came up,
    it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, simply turned into alert to your weblog through
    Google, and found that it is truly informative.

    I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue
    this in future. A lot of other folks might be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    My web site … http://businesspeopleclub.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=fridayhoe8

  70. We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with helpful info to work on. You have
    done an impressive activity and our whole group shall be grateful to you.

    Here is my site: chessdatabase.science

  76. You really make it seem really easy together with
    your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually something that I think I might by no means understand.

    It sort of feels too complex and very extensive for
    me. I’m having a look ahead for your next post, I will try to get the cling of it!

    Here is my web blog :: discuss

  78. I am curious to find out what blog system you
    are using? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more risk-free.
    Do you have any solutions?

    My site; xt_blog

  79. Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring
    on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would
    really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers
    would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

    my page :: http://www.hulkshare.com

  81. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles
    or weblog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website.
    Studying this information So i am satisfied to exhibit that I have
    an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what
    I needed. I such a lot no doubt will make certain to don?t
    overlook this web site and give it a look regularly.

    my web site … msdralalm.net

  85. Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere,
    when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible
    post.

    my web blog … benimhikaye.com

  86. Excellent way of describing, and nice article to take information concerning my presentation subject matter, which i am going to convey in college.

    My site y4yy.com

  88. Hello great website! Does running a blog similar to
    this require a lot of work? I’ve absolutely no understanding of coding but I
    had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should
    you have any recommendations or techniques for new blog owners please
    share. I understand this is off subject nevertheless I simply needed
    to ask. Many thanks!

    Here is my blog post :: cryptomonnaies.me

  89. Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I
    am impressed! Very useful information specifically the final
    section 🙂 I take care of such information a lot.
    I used to be looking for this certain info for a very lengthy time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

    Feel free to surf to my website; http://www.lin8888.com/space-uid-900058.html

  91. Hey there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give
    a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your blog posts.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?

    Many thanks!

    Look into my web page Female Cosplay costumes

  93. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s equally educative
    and interesting, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.

    Now i’m very happy that I found this in my hunt for something
    relating to this.

    Feel free to visit my web page; https://500px.com/p/kudskdwvdahl

  94. Hey there! I simply would like to give you a huge
    thumbs up for the great information you have here on this
    post. I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.

    My web page – zaday-vopros.ru

  95. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
    Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

    Here is my page: algowiki.win

  99. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house .
    Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website.

    Reading this info So i’m satisfied to show that I’ve an incredibly good
    uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
    I most certainly will make sure to don?t omit this website and give it a glance regularly.

    My site :: https://bookingsilo.trade/wiki/7_Issues_Everybody_Has_With_Minecraft_Servers_Learn_how_to_Solved_Them

  105. What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has helped me out
    loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help different
    users like its helped me. Great job.

    my web blog: musescore.com

  109. Aw, this was a really good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never
    manage to get anything done.

    my blog anime cosplay costumes

  112. hello!,I really like your writing very much! percentage we communicate extra about your post
    on AOL? I require a specialist on this house to unravel my problem.
    Maybe that’s you! Having a look ahead to peer you.

    My webpage … y4yy.com

  113. Hello, i feel that i noticed you visited my web
    site thus i got here to go back the favor?.I am attempting to in finding things to improve my website!I assume its good enough to make use of some of your ideas!!

    Also visit my page :: championsleage.review

  115. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy.
    I have learn this submit and if I may just I wish to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
    Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article.
    I desire to learn even more things about it!

    Feel free to visit my page list.ly

  116. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be
    delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot
    often inside case you shield this hike.

    Feel free to visit my blog :: http://qooh.me/tarpcobb92

  118. Howdy! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this article reminds me of
    my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this.
    I most certainly will forward this information to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    Look into my web page – free tiktok likes

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

© Copyright -2020 Law and Society Magazine
Exit mobile version