Nigerian lawyers and public prejudices: an overview

The Lawyer as a Bar Advocate proudly proclaims himself as a member of the honourable legal profession, which indeed he is. But there has been an enormous public prejudice against lawyers as defenders of criminals. The irreconcilable difference in the minds of the uninformed public is how could one who proclaims itself as a member of the honourable profession represent and defend the case of someone to whom the society had adjudged a criminal and societal misfit. This has been the bone of contention. Though paradoxical, a great deal of misconception and the uninformed public prejudice has grown around the lawyers’ roles over the years. This article attempts to resolve this by way of examining what lawyers do as Bar Advocates. The paper employs the doctrinal method of research using the primary and secondary sources to highlight the true position of affairs surrounding public prejudice and misconceptions about lawyers. It submits that lawyers are within the elite circle of professionals who do not only command respect but enjoy a unique professional status all over the world.