Lecture Notes

Early Practice in Bombay

• Early Contemporaries:
  • Pyala (PY) - Known for his hold over economics and budget speeches.
  • Mr. Chandra Chur - Became Chief Justice of India.
  • Lula Brothers (S Krish Lula and Bal Krishan Lula) - Prominent lawyers, one on Civil and one on Criminal side.
  • Mr. Abdul Rahman - Grandfather of Pakistani politician Sheri Rahman.

Entry into Criminal Law

• Began career in criminal law from day one in Karachi.
• Family Background:
  • Father and grandfather were criminal lawyers.
• Involved in significant cases early in Bombay.
• Became famous as a jury trial lawyer before the abolition of jury trials.

Jury Trials

• Preparing for Jury Trials:
  • Different from arguing before a judge; requires eloquence, understanding of human nature.
  • Skills learned from observing great masters.
  • Although jury trials are abolished, similar skills are useful for judges.

Success in Legal Profession

• Industry and hard work are crucial.
• Anecdote about ASF Al - Demonstrated the importance of dedication in the legal field.
• Challenges today: Young lawyers often lack trial experience, impacting the profession's quality.

Media Attention in Criminal Trials

• Importance of not being swayed by public opinion and media criticism.
• Media's growing influence can lead to miscarriages of justice.
• Judges, despite training, can be influenced by media.
• The media sometimes becomes partisan, affecting fair trials.

Conclusion

• Lawyers should maintain professional conscience despite external pressures.
• The press has the power to influence public perception and legal careers.