SECTION 708 (G) OF THE BAR STANDARDS CODE

That this House notes that Section 708 (g) of the Bar Standards Code states that barristers must not make statements or ask questions which are merely scandalous or intended or calculated only to vilify, insult or annoy either a witness or some other person; believes that this rule must be rigorously enforced to ensure that witnesses are not cross-examined in a way that adds nothing to the case but humiliates them; further believes that recent controversy about cross-examinations could be avoided in future if these rules are once again made clear to all practising barristers; calls on the Government to make clear to the Bar Council that it has a duty rigorously to enforce these rules and to take allegations of impropriety seriously; and further calls on the Bar Council to draw the attention of all practising barristers to this section of their rules.