Spurned paramour

Spurned paramour

The institution of marriage is still strongly embedded in our society – although the high incidence of broken-down relationships resulting in rocketing divorces would have us believe otherwise. In parallel, extra marital relationships are still sanctioned by society...
The Mango Tree

The Mango Tree

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council delivered a judgment in March 2012, the opening words of which asked the following question: “Is there a mango tree in the respondent’s back yard at No 303 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Quatre Bornes? Far from being a...
Achieving Greatness

Achieving Greatness

In the wake of the news of the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (alias RBG), I ask myself what defines a successful legal career –at the bar or at the bench. If RBG’s legacy is anything to go by, it would appear that having been oneself a victim of discrimination...
Glass walls

Glass walls

This week we witnessed a momentous turning point in our judicial history. Our Supreme Court building more than 2 centuries old, no longer able to bear the physical demands of the profession and the users of the judicial system, discreetly made way for a brand-new...
Mothballs

Mothballs

We all recognise naphtalene balls as those small white pungent pellets we use to ward off insects – typically in cupboard and wardrobes. Used as a verb, the term “mothball” refers to plans or projects that are stalled or postponed. The characteristic quality of such a...
THE CLOSET LAWYER

THE CLOSET LAWYER

There is very little about the practice of law that is secret. Everything from the showy outfits to the stage-managed process of a hearing, smacks more of entertainment than of serious proceedings determining people’s rights. The barrister thrives on making lasting...