Circular No: 070/2024
Date: 3 May 2024
Dear Members of the Kuala Lumpur Bar,
The KLBC Criminal Law Practice Committee sought feedback from the Criminal Courts in Kuala Lumpur in respect of issues encountered in dealing with criminal law practitioners.
The pertinent feedback received from the Criminal High Courts is as follows:-
Lawyers Not Present For Hearings / Trials
The Court has observed instances where lawyers for the accused failed to appear in Court for hearings / trials without giving advance notice and/or providing reasons.
The Court’s attempts to contact the said lawyers and/or their law firms were unsuccessful which resulted in the postponement of proceedings. The Courts were only belatedly informed of the reason for the lawyer’s absence at the next hearing date.
All members are urged to discontinue and/or refrain from such practices. Members ought to notify the Court in advance of any valid reasons or circumstances that may delay and/or affect the ability to attend scheduled hearings / trials. Additionally, members are to ensure that both your office and personal contact numbers are reachable by the Court.
No Gift Policy
Members are reminded of the Court’s “No Gift Policy” where members are prohibited from giving gifts in any form to the Court and/or staff at any time.
Alvin Oh Seong Yew
Chairman
Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee
Rajsurian Pillai
Chairperson
Criminal Law Practice Committee