DAR ES SALAAM: THE Chief Justice of Tanzania, Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma yesterday admitted 524 new advocates to the bar and urged them to uphold five key principles: honesty, integrity, self-regulation, competence and respect.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam, the Chief Justice said that these principles were essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
“Professionalism is principles, culture, behaviour, practices and procedures that have been accepted as guidance to Advocates in their duties and identify, distinguish and differentiate them from other professions,” he said.
He said every lawyer must prioritise honesty and trustworthiness to establish a reputation for professionalism. Prof Juma underscored the importance of demonstrating legal competence through actions, words and service delivery, befitting a holder of a Law Degree.
He explained that the 2018 Ethical, Professional, Discipline and Good Behaviour Rules for Advocates require the services of an Advocate to demonstrate the abilities and skills expected from a lawyer who has studied at a university and matured.
“Rules 8 to 14 of the Code of Ethical, Professional, Discipline and Good Behaviour of Advocate, 2018 emphasise that your clients, the Court and the public have the right to expect that you are capable of practicing law,” the Chief Justice said.
Prof Juma also noted that through the Bar Association, lawyers should regulate, conduct and look after themselves professionally and ethically without being interfered with by the government, parliament or the judiciary.
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The Chief Justice also told the new lawyers that in their journey to achieve professionalism, they will look for an important pillar of being given respect without asking for or demanding it.
“Respect here is for the character and behaviour of the lawyer, every day and every time. The society respects him, he is respected, he respects his fellow lawyers, he respects his clients, he respects the Judges, the Magistrates and he respects all the employees in the entire justice delivery system,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Attorney General, Hamza Johari told the advocates that they have a great duty in ensuring that the role of justice is effectively implemented by the judiciary.
He said that as Officers Court, Advocates should ensure that they support the judiciary in carrying out the role of providing justice in the country by providing accurate interpretations of the law to do justice and ensure that citizens are given their rights when they go to court or to other legal bodies.
“In your efforts to administer justice, it is important to know that your responsibility is greater than representing clients. You are the guardians of justice, representatives of justice and defenders of the law in our society. People’s complaints about unfair treatment will be significantly reduced if you fully fulfill your responsibilities,” Mr Johari said.
On his part, the President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Advocate Boniface Mwambukuzi, told the new lawyers to build a habit of respecting the decisions made by Courts at various levels.
“If you are not satisfied, file an appeal,” he said and emphasised to the new lawyers that they must realise that their duties take place within the Court system, which is an important pillar in the administration of law and the delivery of justice.
The admission of the 524 new lawyers makes the number of advocates in the country to reach 12,995. Among the 524 new lawyers, 296 are male and 228 are female.
214 lawyers have been excused from attending the Tanzania Law School, 16 passed the Bar Exam and 294 have completed their studies at the Law School.
Among the new lawyers admitted includes Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, Wilfred Dyansobera, Chief Registrar of Judiciary of Tanzania, Eva Nkya, Registrar of the High Court of Tanzania, Chiganga Tengwa, Personal Secretary to the Chief Justice, Venance Mlingi, Deputy Registrar and various Magistrates as well as other citizens.
