The Gazette 1967/71

Certain rules are rigidly applied and while the service is primarily for poor people, a means test is not laid down. Anonymity of the client is pre served and money is not accepted under any cir cumstances. The students have contacted parish priests, church ministers, T.D.'s and social workers, and get some referred cases. They feel that one of the main problems is that when people are brought before a Court on criminal charges they are fre quently unable to decide whether to opt for trial by jury or to elect for summary trial. The students feel that advice on this point could be of benefit to many accused. Mr. Frank Daly, of the Southern Law Asso ciation, says that the Association wholeheartedly approves of the scheme. He feels that the students are doing a fine job, but it is disheartening that they have had so few clients. (The Cork Examiner, 30th Nov., 1970). EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS Mr. Desmond McAllister, Registrar of Deeds and Titles has held an exhibition of paintings in a new exhibition gallery in Kiely's Lounge, Donny- brook in December. The exhibition was opened by the well-known sculptor Mr. Edward Delaney. Mr. McAllister has had two one man exhibitions in the Brown Thomas Gallery. He has exhibited regularly with the Irish Water Colour Society and the Baggotrath Group. Apart from these artistic activities, Mr. McAllister has completed a book on "Registration of Title in Ireland" which is due for publication in 1971. JUDGE SUGGESTS NEW LAW TO SAVE LIBERTY A modern Bill of Rights may be needed to prevent the gradual erosion of individual liberty, Sir Cyril Salmon, a senior Lord Justice of Appeal, said last night. Delivering the Haldane Memorial lecture at London University, he said the statute should "lay down our basic freedoms". It would provide for the preservation of basic freedoms and enact that it could not be repealed save, say, by a 75 per cent, majority of both Houses of Parliament. He said this would not ensure that those seek ing to overthrow individual liberty would fail, but it would greatly reduce their chances of success. Sir Cyril's remarks should add considerable 140

always been obeyed. I don't know of a labour law case where a trade union official has been sent to prison for refusing to obey an injunction", he said. (Daily Telegraph, 2nd December, 1970). STUDENTS GIVE THEIR TIME TO HELP OTHERS Students throughout the world are among the groups more actively concerned with social prob lems. Such is the case in Cork, where law students have set up a Free Legal Advisory Bureau, and every Wednesday night, in Tuckey Street, they are in attendance between 7.30 and 9.30. Six such bureaux are operated by law students in Dublin. The Cork bureau was set up primarily to give legal advice to those who cannot afford it. Some people dislike the idea of going to a solicitor, and the students find that some people come to them more readily than to a qualified professional man. Since its inception over a year ago, the bureau has had only 50 clients, and the students would like to see many more coming in. Leaflets were handed out after Masses in selected churches in Cork city last Sunday in an effort to publicise the service. All the students can do, however, is to advise people of their rights. If they feel that somebody has a legitimate case they advise that person to see a solicitor. They also advise people about the pension and welfare benefits to which they are entitled. The Southern Law Association has supplied the students with a panel of solicitors whom they can consult if they are in any difficulty. The advisory panel in Tuckey Street is normally made up of second and third year students. Most law students are apprenticed to solicitors, and at this stage of their training are fairly familiar with legal routine. To date, the majority of cases dealt with have been matrimonial; for example, where wives are being ill-treated by their husbands, not being prop erly supported and so on. They have also dealt with one or two cases of wills. The procedure in Tuckey Street is that when a client comes in he is met by three students who interview him and take notes. The students always consult a qualified solicitor before giving advice.