not a lawyer to represent a friend in court
2006-10-20 01:25:34 · 6 answers · asked by Robert R 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You don't say where you are. There is, in some Common Law jurisdictions a "McKenzie friend", who ssists a litigant in person in court. He or she does not need to be legally qualified.
Aside from a person qualified in another jurisdiction admitted "pro hac vice" in the court of another country or state (including, perhaps, the use of a "foreign legal consultant" or a "legal executive" as co-counsel) and an interpreter translating for a party I can't think of a situation where a person not admitted in the jurisdiction is permitted to speak for a party.
On the other hand, in New York State's justice of the peace courts anything can happen. See the last three links below.
2006-10-20 01:44:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only people allowed to speak at a trial are 1) plaintiffs, 2) defendants, 3) witnesses, and 4) lawyers.
He might be allowed to sit at the table and talk to you quietly, but the judge isn't going to let him address the court, question witnesses, or challenge evidence or rulings.
Which is lucky for you. You'd probably be about as well off letting a non-doctor remove your appendix as you would letting a non-lawyer handle your case.
2006-10-20 01:30:44 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Andy said is correct. To it, I'd only add, you have to be very foolish to have a non-lawyer friend attempt to represent you, especially if the case involves more than $10 or the other side is represented by an attorney.
2006-10-20 14:33:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Non-lawyers are usually not allowed in court. There are few exceptions just like when no lawyers are available in the area.
2006-10-20 01:27:58 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its required by the state to provide a lawyer if he cant afford one. Its in the Miranda Rights.
2006-10-20 01:40:46 · answer #5 · answered by JC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the city has to provide a lawyer...go to court and ask for one..
2006-10-20 01:26:46 · answer #6 · answered by Ruth Less RN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋