spoiler

Why did Vinny lie to the judge about his [in]experience as a lawyer?

  • XeroxCool@lemmy.worldEnglish
    13·
    1 year ago

    The case was too important to be handled by someone so inexperienced. The judge could have decided Vinny was unfit or the jurisdiction may not have even allowed such a newbie to handle a murder case

    • 58008@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      Ahh, I didn’t realise a judge could veto a lawyer like that. I assumed it was the defendant’s prerogative if they wanted a shit lawyer. I mean, if they can choose to defend themselves surely it’s less problematic to hire a qualified-but-new lawyer. Unless that “defending oneself” thing is also something that can be vetoed?

      My knowledge of lawyering is drawn almost entirely from films 🤣

      Cheers mate!

      • redhorsejacket@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        Fwiw, in the US, you do have a right to represent yourself in court proceedings, but, in order to exercise that right, the judge must determine that you are competent enough to represent yourself. Here is a link to the department of Justice website which nearly summarizes the case law surrounding this issue, if you want to educate yourself.