Quote:
Originally Posted by Coys1882
Serious question. Why don't we have Crown prosecutors and defenders? Why aren't they appointed by the court for both sides and get the experience of working on both sides of the courtroom as needed?
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Some jurisdictions have a public defender system but not sure if that is exactly what you are meaning.
I suppose the short answer is that an accused person has a choice of counsel. Subject to issues of financing when it comes to people who require legal aid, it is especially important for a person accused by the government not to have to be represented by a government appointee / employee.
Imagine how that might be playing out differently for Admiral Norman right now...
Many of my colleagues have done a stint as a Crown prosecutor and will advertise that as an advantage in their marketing. I don’t personally see ‘former Crown’ as an asset I would want for my defence lawyer but I am sure some do.