British QC sues local court over $3,100 fee

A BRITISH Queen’s Counsel has sued against the decision of the Registrar of the Supreme Court to have him pay a fee of TT$3,100 before he can be admitted to the Bar to practise in the local courts. Peter Carter is seeking judicial review of the decision to have him pay the sum as a pre-condition to him being granted a licence to practice locally. Carter came to Trinidad in November to represent death row prisoner Angela Ramdeen in a constitutional motion she filed to have her death sentence commuted  to life imprisonment. The case was heard by Justice Peter Jamadar in the San Fernando First Civil Court.

Carter is contending that on November 27, he was admitted under Section 15A of the Legal Profession Act headed “Order of Eligibility,” to practice in the TT courts. In court documents filed in the Sub-Registry, San Fernando, Carter stated he was directed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court that before he be allowed to appear in court to represent Ramdeen, he must pay the annual fee of  TT$3,100. Carter paid the fee but is now contending that it is beyond the power of the court to request such a fee. His lawsuit is for an application for judicial review of the decision to charge such fee.

Yesterday, the Law Association filed a response in the Sub-Registry, challenging Carter’s action. Carter, the Law Association stated, was not exempt from paying the annual fees by virtue of the “Order” and was obligated to pay the fees under the Legal Profession Act. Attorney Russel Martineau SC, instructed by Harrikissoon and Company, is representing the Law Association. Fenton Ramsahoye QC and Anand Ramlogan are representing Carter.