This is generally the case however take note of the following exceptions:
The attorneys’ admission exam used to be known as the ‘board exam’. The board exam consists of four examinations that you need to pass as a requirement for becoming a registered attorney in South Africa. This exam is now called the ‘competency-based examination for admission as an attorney’
You have the right to remain silent and not to implicate yourself. It is not advisable to say anything to the police let alone sign a confession. Your attorney will make representations to resolve any misunderstandings or prove your innocence. Do not sign anything or make a statement with the exception of your written explanation of rights which is the document normally presented to all arrested persons.
The police are entitled to:
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and The Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 grant an accused or arrested person the following rights.
The Right to a Fair, Public and Speedy trial.
The Right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by the court.
The Right against Self- Incrimination which means you are entitled to remain silent and not to provide evidence that can be used against you.
The Right to Confront a Witness; by questioning and cross-examining every witness that testifies against you during the course of a trial.
The Right to Adduce Evidence entitles you to present your evidence to the court or to call witnesses and provide evidence that could favourably determine the outcome of the case.
All admitted attorneys are listed with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) in South Africa. If you go to the LPC’s website you can search for any attorney by name, province, area/city and practitioner type, and see whether they are currently practising.
Send an email to your designated course coordinator and request your recordings. The course coordinator will then forward your link and login details via email.
We are here to help you during the difficult times that arise when being faced with a lawsuit. We expect for you to come to us with any questions or concerns that you may have. We want you to be honest and responsive with us so that we can best prepare you for any possible situations which arise.