I couldn't shoot someone for expressing an opinion, however odious it was, unless it got very personal - and probably not even then! But if he abetted terrorism in some more concrete way, then he's on a charge of course - I hope!!
The situation would be extremely unlikely to arise. The duty of any lawyer is to defend their client, and in a case like that, the duty solicitor would have to explain to the magistrate why they could not represent the defendant. If the judge were not satisfied with that explanation, then the solicitor could be charged with professional misconduct if they still refused, which could lead to being struck off. If the judge *was* satisfied with the explanation and there was no other solicitor around to take the case, then it would be adjourned until a solicitor was found to do so - which would happen... Most lawyers are aware of their obligations and they swear to them when they are admitted as solicitors and barristers. There are limited grounds for refusal to take on a client when you are the duty solicitor - any solicitor, in fact.
Generally, solicitors do that only when they have no choice but to accept their client's instruction when they disagree with it - though they can withdraw from a case where they have made it clear they do disagree, in order to give the client a chance to find a solicitor who is happy to take that instruction. Frankly, most solicitors will present the best possible case for their client according to the circumstances, because that is their duty to the court.
Yes. Could be. Solicitors, you may have noticed, are not all perfect (unlike my beloved!)
Rifty
-- Academic and Computing Help
