Criminal Defence Representation at Garda Stations

Book excerpt: This book goes behind the closed doors of the garda station, providing a contemporary account of the role of criminal defence lawyers who represent those arrested, detained and questioned therein. It draws on the expert analysis and experience of authors Vicky Conway and Yvonne Daly, who developed and delivered specialist training for police station lawyers across Europe, and in-depth qualitative interviews that they conducted with 44 practising solicitors in Ireland. This book is a comprehensive guide for criminal defence lawyers offering insights on the breadth and importance of their role and focusing on the skills necessary to effectively fulfil all aspects of that role. You are led through the entire process from first contact, to deciding to attend, to pre-interview consultation and then the interview itself. Particular attention is paid to enhanced communication skills and to addressing the needs of vulnerable clients. Perennial issues such as pre-interview disclosure and the right to silence are also comprehensively explored. It is essential reading for practitioners who attend garda stations regularly, those looking to conduct more of that work or those starting out in law, as well as gardaí. For prosecutors, barristers and judges, it provides a great insight into the dynamics of the earliest stages of the criminal justice system. It will also be of interest to policymakers, academics and students in criminal justice, on both a domestic and international level, and those interested in learning more about the operation of the Irish criminal process. This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Irish Criminal Law online service.