Representation by Counsel

In the 'normal' years 1970 and 1971, 18.5% and 17.7% of all Maori offenders in Nelson were presented by counsel whereas about twice as many non-Maori offenders engaged lawyers (Table 1). To our knowledge there are no comparable national figures for representation by counsel of defendants in the Magistrates Court. However, the ratio of 1:2 which we found in Nelson corresponds very closely with the national figures previously reported for Maoris and non-Maoris charged with serious offences⁶. In 1972, 79% of all Maoris appearing in the Nelson Magistrate's Court were represented by counsel. From the routine questioning regularly undertaken with each offender we determined that, as in the two previous years, approximately 19% would have obtained counsel themselves had our scheme not been operating.