If a barrister tells you not to take the stand and that he will answer the questions for you, do you class this as a bad move ?

[gilly100788]

If a barrister tells you it is best you dont take the stand and they will answer the questions for you, is this a bad move ?

[jackthehat]

You are reliant on your Barrister for his greater knowledge of how best to proceed in a courtroom.

If this is what he advises then it will probably be for the best.

[sandyRoe]

He's using all his knowledge of the law and court procedure to try and help you. I'd heed what he said.

[woofgang]

If you aren't going to trust his advice change your barrister

[gilly100788]

Thanks for that,we do trust him but someone told me when this happens it is very unlikely the jury will find you not guilty !

[naartje]

A Barrister may offer advice,and the benefit of their knowledge.They may
offer to speak in your defence.They will not tell you to do anything.
The burden of proof is down to the Prosecutor.You do not have to prove,
or indeed,say ,anything.

[sandyRoe]

Isn't there something now, they can draw inferences from your silence?

[Davethedog]

If he/she suggests you shouldn't take the stand, its because he thinks you will incriminate yourself or weaken your case.

It is your perogative of course but as the saying go's "you don't keep a dog and bark yourself"

[gilly100788]

Thanks again, be glad when this is all over !! not long now.

[woofgang]

whatever the law says, there has never been any way of stopping the jury drawing their own conclusions from anything the accused may or may not say, from the way he or she is dressed, behaves and so on. The jury are humans, they should be doing their best to be impartial but they are only human.
Your barrister obviously thinks its the best chance of being not found guilty.

[sandyRoe]

Don't keep us in suspense, what's the charge?

[gilly100788]

football !!!! sorry sandyRoe thats all i can say at this time. not me my son.

[jackthehat]

sandy..........a quick search of previous questions from OP will give you a taste.

[sandyRoe]

Gilly, I hope things go well for him.

[Barmaid]

What these guys have said above is right. Your barrister has given you advice, based on his knowledge of your case and his experience. It is impossible for anyone to say whether it is good or bad advice unless they are in possession of precisely the same facts.

However, I think you are mistaken when you say that the barrister will answer questions for you. He cannot answer your questions because he cannot give evidence. He can only make submissions on the evidence and law.

[gilly100788]

thanks SandyRoe and everyone else for their advice.