'My learned friend…'
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Law & Order: UK
The_Usurper_Robb_Stark — 13 years ago(August 19, 2012 09:18 AM)
I'm not familiar with British legal etiquette, but I've always wondered if this is supposed to be sarcasm or mockery, or do they really mean it. I see this phrase being used in Garrow's Law as well, a show that takes place more than 200 years prior to this one
I thinks not, Terrell. I thinks not -
vpilutis — 13 years ago(September 29, 2012 01:18 PM)
Knowing the English think of themselves as gentlemen I'm sure its meant to be a complement
See some stars here
http://www.vbphoto.biz/ -
dr_mbh — 12 years ago(August 09, 2013 05:22 PM)
Hi,
Barristers have referred to each other as "My Learned friend" for centuries. One of the reasons for this is that historically, the bar was a very small profession and still is when compared to other similar professions. As such, all barristers were expected to be familiar with each other. This led to another tradition of barristers not shaking hands, although in my experience this is now mostly overlooked.
Strictly speaking, a barrister should only call other barristers "my learned friend" and any other advocate should be referred to as "my friend". In practice this is seldom adhered to as it is viewed to be a little pretentious to do so. Other similar archaic "status" related differences remain between barristers and solicitors/advocates. For example, you will hear a solicitor call a magistrate "Your Worship" but a barrister will call them sir or madam.
So in short, referring to an opponent (or co-counsel) as "my learned friend" is definitely not any sort of sarcasm or mockery, it is a very old custom and to misuse or overlook it would be a rather tough stain on a barrister's record.