Self representation is Dangerous

A law expert believes that the right of representing self at trial is costly and dangerous. That may be true, but perhaps there are other lessons in NZ's recent 7 week extended self defence conducted by John Burrett.

The nature of Mr Burrett's conduct that "extended the trial" is seen as a costly result of self indulgence by a man seeking to prove that he indeed was prepared to waste the time of others. Mr Burrett would have done well to have hired himself a lawyer. Compare his potential for incarceration to that of the Dog Bite Bust.

These fine Gents had a nightmare incident with their dog attacking a child that they initially tried to distance themselves from, and then one admitted to; and the other was found guilty and now is doing two months in Mt Eden jail, only to be injured, possibly seriously, by other prisoners.

These fine Gents have representation. They now carry a certain notoriety beyond their contribution to society. Yet, the hand of justice, having smote each may be seen to have cured them of their idiocy, if not their irresponsibility.

They can feed stories to the buttocks of the media and from that, recover payments they can then very pubilcally give to charity. And bask in the cafe's of Ponsonby.

Whereas Burrett, now having proven his value to the world by defending himself with the side society may rightfully wish to segregate itself from, may be seen to have invented the entire rationale for being charged in the first place.

Afterall, the police prevented them from actually committing the crime they were observed planning. With the sentencing now imminent, no public sympathy can support Mr Burrett.

That is not to say that an appeal in Burrett's case may become necessary, and Burrett may consider, for goodness sake, getting a good lawyer.

One could of course argue that there may be a place for idiots defending themselves in the court room. When a jury is picked from everyday people, it seems natural enough that an individual may defend themselves.

One only has to recall the genuine mess Bill Clinton made of his presidency to see the folly. Representing oneself may be a sure fire way to lose a case, and perhaps that is why it should remain a right.