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Another lawyer chided by Senior Magistrate

- Defense lawyers cry unfair treatment by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards
Friday March 27, 2015 saw yet another episode of public reproach of a lawyer by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards. This time the furore was at the feet of Attorney at Law Mr David A. Penn (left). Photo: Facebook/VINO
It was only on March 16, 2015 that attorney Leroy Jones was asked to “excuse” himself from the courtroom after his behaviour was considered disrespectful to Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards. Photo: Linkedin
It was only on March 16, 2015 that attorney Leroy Jones was asked to “excuse” himself from the courtroom after his behaviour was considered disrespectful to Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards. Photo: Linkedin
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Friday March 27, 2015 saw yet another episode of public reproach of a lawyer by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards. This time the furore was at the feet of Attorney at Law Mr David A. Penn.

The episode was ignited and resulted in Ms Richards stamping her authority to take control of her courtroom after Crown Counsel Leslie Ann Faulkner had made certain disclosures to Mr Penn and subsequently asked him to sign a document. He had opened the document by breaking the seal and browsing its content.

Once this was done, as this news site understands it, he was required to sign as having received but it appeared that he had issue/s with a date that was on the document. Ms Faulkner appeared to have been explaining something to Mr Penn as she repeatedly tried to convince him to sign.

Stepping in, Magistrate Richards, stated, "I don't know what ‘jumbie’ has come in and plague this place," as she chokingly continued, "I am not a baby sitter and I am not a social worker either."

She said that Mr Penn is new at the bar and may not be familiar with certain Modus Operandi but insisted that ‎ should not treat members of the bar in the manner he did.

After several futile efforts to encourage Penn to sign the document or hand it back to Ms Faulkner, Ms Richards told him that hundreds of thousands of dollars were invested in training and it shouldn't be made to appear as it was in vain.

Toning down, Ms Richards then said softly, "I have had enough," and continued with the case at hand.

Penn did manage, however, to stick in a few words on his behalf.

Lawyers speak out

"We are not given the opportunity to give our side and it appears to persons as if we are the ones at fault. Many of these instances are simple matters of procedures of law that are not being upheld by our learned colleagues but we are never given that opportunity ‎to have our take on whatever the matter is reflected in the records," said one Attorney at Law.

Another chimed in stating, "It sometimes, rather almost all the time, makes it appear like the Crown is the angel and we on the other side are the devils. They (Crown) get to defend their stand but we are not and in cases like that it would definitely set precedencies, cause a bad light of criminal lawyers and have it look as if the Crown has the right to do as they wish and we ‎must stoop like the puppy with our tails between our legs and bow. This must stop."

Lawyer thrown out of court

It was only on March 16, 2015 that a lawyer was asked to “excuse” himself from the courtroom after his behaviour was considered disrespectful to Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards.

Attorney-At-Law Leroy Jones had earlier exchanged words with a court officer before he was chided by the magistrate and subsequently asked to leave the courtroom as he was seen to have been disrespecting her orders and the court.

On March 10, 2015 another lawyer, who was objecting to the manner in which another member at the bar had posed a question to a witness, was rebuked by the Senior Magistrate.

“Yall getting rude in 2015,” Senior Magistrate Richards had said loudly.

15 Responses to “Another lawyer chided by Senior Magistrate”

  • ta ta (01/04/2015, 10:38) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    why she picking on the locals when they refused to sign the letter to get rid of she
  • just asking (01/04/2015, 10:54) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Go easy ms richards
  • Shotta (01/04/2015, 10:57) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    I certainly agree as lawyers and defendents have no say in court and the magistrates and prosecutors go to the extent to make you guilty. What go around comes around, they will not be in those high chairs and jackets and gowns forever.
  • Son of Perdition (01/04/2015, 12:31) Like (45) Dislike (21) Reply
    It doesn't suprise me how she acts...look at how she looks!
  • Adn the other majestrates were critized (01/04/2015, 12:49) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    The Magistrate may have to power to decide the conduct of her court, but is she being professional in her deliberation? "Y'all getting rude in 2015", Really???????? I dont think that people with Power should be rude and unprofessional either. They office they hold commands respect for them. They dont have to keep announcing that they are in charge. Just saying.
    Strupes...let me sip by tea budy.
  • long look me come from (01/04/2015, 14:10) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Both of them from east me keeping out of that!!!
  • Jumbie? (01/04/2015, 14:18) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    She say jumbie in the place plaguing it. But she don't know what kind.

    A Jumbee, jumbie or mendo is a type of mythological spirit or demon in the folklore of some Caribbean countries. Jumbee is the generic name given to all malevolent entities; however, there are numerous kinds of jumbees, that reflect the Caribbean’s complex history and ethnic makeup, drawing on African, Amerindian, East Indian, Dutch, English, and even Chinese mythology.
  • DON Q (01/04/2015, 16:38) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Its her court room so she can go on as she please
  • eyes (01/04/2015, 18:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is power--there is common-sense--there is guidance---there is discretion --there is respect for self and respect for others----there is likes and dislikes---and there is empathy.
  • wize up (01/04/2015, 19:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    local-on-local !!!!!
  • Overseas Lawyer (02/04/2015, 14:16) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply

    I am so surprised that a judicial officer, as I myself was one, would make these comments in court. Dis Ms. Richards do a course in Legal Ethics. If she did, she certainly needs a refresher.
    I do hope that the Chief Justice is reading these articles because she is one respectful woman and would never condone such arrogance of the Senior Magistrate. Shame on you Your Warship!!!!

  • tretretrete (05/04/2015, 08:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    She told them...now who hurt hurt


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