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Legal independence
The Law Society of Zimbabwe
March 17, 2010

The Law Society of Zimbabwe as the regulating body that regulates the practice of law in Zimbabwe and safeguards the professional interest of lawyers welcomes the delivery of judgment in the case of Sahawi International (Proprietary)Limited and ANOTHER vs John Anorld Bredenkamp and Breco International and The Law Society Zimbabwe as an interested party HC 4221/O8, in which case the Plaintiffs unsuccessfully tried to raise an objection against the appearance of Advocate Adrian Phillip de Bourbon, arguing that it should be declared that he had no audience of the court by reason of him no longer being ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe, unless he obtains a ministerial residence exemption certificate.It is the pride and strength of the Law Society to effectively fulfil its crucial mandate of ensuring and guaranteering the independence of the profession and that of the the judiciary as shown in this case and another recent case of The Law Society and 8 Others Vs The Commissioner Of Police and The Minister of Home Affairs HC3960/O7.In this case The Law Society successfully obtained an order protecting and confirming the independence of the profession and for the profession to enjoy protection of the lawin terms of the laws of Zimbabwe.

The Law Society believes that if the community is to have faith in the legal system, not only must itbe assured that the judiciary is free from bias and unafraid to make unpopular decisions in the face of powerful interests, but that lawyers and related members of the legal profession are willing and able to defend the rights of people effectively, and advocate unpopular causes without fear or favour where this is consistent with the Rule of Law. By adhering to the Rule of Law, in the face of wealthy and powerful interests or popular opinion fuelled by misinformation or paranoia, both lawyers and Judges are a necessary resource in our community for protecting the rights of the minority groups and individual citizens.It is for this cause that the independence and self regulating of the profession remain fundamemtal attributes of the profession.The independence of the profession is truly an indespensable safeguard of the rule of law and a pillar of a just and demorcatic society .It the heart of what justifies the profession 's role in the administaration of justice .The independence of the profession dictates that lawyers are accorded protection in order to render their services to clients without fear or fear or undue influence.The Law Society jealously safeguards the independence and self regulating of the profession and will not tire to do so.

Partners and friends do join the Law Society Family in celebrating a great stride in the history of the profession.

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