Courts / Ireland / Report
Judge warns barristers that practice of pleas in mitigation without evidence 'has to stop'
Summary
In a Court of Appeal hearing, Mr Justice John Edwards warned that barristers must provide evidence for any mitigation pleas they raise. He said the practice of presenting hearsay claims—such as a defendant's depression, drug or alcohol problems, suicide attempts, tragic family history, a sibling's paralysis, drug‑counselling attendance or periods of sobriety—without witnesses or supporting medical or other documentation is unacceptable and must stop. The judge emphasized that courts will not accept mitigation arguments lacking evidence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge warns barristers that practice of pleas in mitigation without evidence 'has to stop'. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- 2021-06-29 Publication
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
Topics
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request