Meadow Lake Courthouse (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Duty Counsel Day

Meadow Lake recognizes Legal Aid with Duty Counsel Day

Oct 27, 2021 | 6:30 PM

The City of Meadow Lake has created a proclamation to mark Oct. 27 as Duty Counsel Day. The one-time occasion acknowledges duty counsel lawyers in the community for the crucial role they play in the local justice system.

Duty counsel lawyers are front line workers in the justice system who provide individuals with free legal advice and representation. Through Legal Aid Saskatchewan, their services are made available to the financially challenged people on a conditional basis and individuals in police custody.

Mayor Merlin Seymour stated the day of acknowledgement bears an important moment as it shows respect to the workers for their contributions to the community’s justice system.

“Frontline workers see the brunt of everything going on within their line of work, and we just want to reach out and say thanks for what they do,” he said.

In a statement to meadowlakeNOW, Meadow Lake RCMP Commander Ryan How detailed duty counsel as an essential component of the legal process.

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He explained when someone is involved in an investigation or taken into police custody, it’s necessary for officers to respect their charter rights, and officials are legally obligated to put people into contact with a lawyer at the earliest availability or when requested.

“The legal process is complex, and the public generally doesn’t understand their rights when faced with being arrested or investigated,” How said.

“Legal council is essential to not only helping the accused navigate through the initial police contact process and then through to the trial phase, but ensures that police gather evidence in a fair and appropriate manner.”

Duty counsel lawyers provide the first supportive interaction to the most vulnerable clients in need of legal assistance.

While there may be a stigma surrounding the quality of duty counsel lawyer’s services because they are free of charge, Legal Aid Saskatchewan CEO Jayne Mallin explained support from the law professionals measures up to other private lawyers in the province.

“They’re excellent lawyers. They’re dedicated to their clients. They’re well respected in the legal profession, and so I appreciate that there may be stigma around [not wanting] Legal Aid and [wanting] a lawyer… our lawyers are some of the best in the province.”

She added she takes pride in knowing the profession is being acknowledged in communities including Meadow Lake, and hopes the occasion will help educate residents on what the service can do for people so they can prevent getting overwhelmed in a complex legal process.

“The Legal Aid plans across Canada have been working on developing this day to recognize and raise awareness for the public to understand what duty counsel is and the essential role they play within the justice system,” she said.

“Legal representation is obviously a fundamental part of our democracy, and we need to celebrate that. Everyone deserves access to justice, and duty counsel makes sure that happens.”

Anyone looking for assistance from Legal Aid Saskatchewan can contact the application centre online.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp