In my own country, Australia, in the past decade or more, we have seen the spectacle of the legislative abolition of State courts and tribunals with the consequent effective removal from judicial office of people having the title and functions of a judge. So no country is without difficulties and problems. It cannot be assumed that the rule of law is completely safe anywhere. There is a need for vigilance. In considering the work of practitioners and the utility of legal aid, it is necessary to keep steadily in mind the differences that exist between jurisdictions.
Generalities have only a limited utility.
The legitimacy of practitioners derives from their performing the work of representing individuals, corporations and governments before the courts. This forum has certainly brought home the importance of research, of the gathering of statistics and information and of discussion amongst practitioners and specifically those engaged in the provision of legal aid. All of these functions have legitimacy and importance. However, the true foundation of the activities of legal and paralegal practitioners lies in the work they actually do in advising and representing others who have problems of a legal character. Discussion and analysis is no substitute for giving advice to a client looking anxiously across a desk.