Two qualifications were mentioned to limit an absolute obligation to accept every case involving a criminal accusation. In the first place, if a practitioner felt personally incapable of puffing the case with the vigor and commitment that is the client's right, that particular practitioner would be personally disqualified. But such a conclusion should not be reached too readily lest an unpopular accused find himself or herself without legal representation. Practitioners must represent and advise saints and sinners. They should beware of prejudgment.
True professionalism requires the puffing to one side of attitudes of prejudice.
Every individual is entitled to proper representation. To an extent, the graver the charge, the greater is the need that the representation should be strong and effective. A further qualification relates to the funds available for legal aid. Many of the participants drew attention to their limited resources. In this sense, they must perform the kind of triage choice that are made every day in the provision of health care.