The Bar Standards Board published disciplinary findings against barrister Mr Thomas David Davidson on the 21st November 2023.
Thomas Davidson, a practising barrister, behaved in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession, in that, on 7 February 2022 at Salisbury Magistrates Court, following the conclusion of a trial during which he had represented a defendant before a Bench consisting of three Lay Magistrates, and after the Chairperson raised with him the issue of his having used a German accent during the proceedings and telling him that this conduct had been inappropriate, Mr Davidson looked at the Bench and said “Jawohl” at the same time as raising a hand in a Nazi salute, which conduct was seriously offensive and discreditable.
For professional misconduct contrary to Core Duty 5 of the Code of Conduct of the Bar of England and Wales, Thomas Davidson was reprimanded and fined £250 with costs of £1,750.00.
The work that the Bar Standards Board do is governed by the Legal Services Act 2007 (the Act) as well as a number of other statutes.
The BSB Handbook contains the rules about how barristers must behave and work. Version 4.7 of the BSB Handbook came into force on the 20th September 2023.
This is hardly a punishment or deterrent by the Bar Standards Board. Where is the justice in this pathetic reprimand ?
Why was he not dealt with by the magistrates for contempt of court ?
• setting the education and training requirements for becoming a barrister;
Bar Standards Board Responsibilities
• setting continuing training requirements to ensure that barristers’ skills are maintained throughout their careers;
• setting standards of conduct for barristers;
• authorising organisations that focus on advocacy, litigation, and specialist legal advice;
• monitoring the service provided by barristers and the organisations we authorise to ensure they meet our requirements; and
• considering reported concerns about barristers and the organisations we authorise and taking enforcement or other action where appropriate.
Zaheer Ahmad, called by Lincoln’s Inn in October 2011, suspended from practice for 6 months after failing to comply with a court order (4th April 2024)
Stephen Taylor, called by Inner Temple in July 2002, suspended from practice for 6 months for lying (10th April 2024)
Check out our articles on Barristers, Direct Access Barristers, Bar Standards Board, Solicitors, Rule of Law and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.
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