Here are procedural features of special courts for lawyers’ protection:
Pre-Trial Procedures
1. Emergency Protection Orders: Immediate protection orders for lawyers facing threats or harassment.
2. Ex Parte Proceedings: Emergency hearings without notice to the opposing party.
3. Secure Communication Channels: Encrypted messaging and phone systems for lawyers and court personnel.
4. Risk Assessment: Initial threat assessment by specialized teams.
Trial Procedures
1. Priority Scheduling: Expedited scheduling of lawyer protection cases.
2. Secure Waiting Areas: Designated areas for lawyers and witnesses.
3. Private Hearings: In-camera hearings to protect lawyer identities.
4. Evidence Collection and Analysis: Specialized procedures for collecting and analyzing evidence.
Post-Trial Procedures
1. Appeals Process: Streamlined appeals process for lawyer protection cases.
2. Confidential Record-Keeping: Secure storage of sensitive documents and records.
3. Follow-Up Support: Ongoing support and counseling for lawyers.
4. Review and Revision: Regular review and revision of procedures.
Special Procedures
1. Emergency Hotline: 24/7 emergency hotline for lawyers.
2. Secure Online Portal: Protected online platform for lawyers to report threats and harassment.
3. Collaborative Investigation: Joint investigation with law enforcement agencies.
4. Threat Assessment Teams: Specialized teams to identify and assess potential threats.
Key Principles
1. Confidentiality: Protection of lawyer identities and sensitive information.
2. Expeditious Proceedings: Timely resolution of lawyer protection cases.
3. Fairness and Impartiality: Ensuring fairness and impartiality in proceedings.
4. Transparency: Clear communication of procedures and outcomes.
Key Statutes and Regulations
1. Lawyers’ Welfare and Protection Act (Pakistan, 2013)
2. Legal Professionals Protection Act (India, 1987)
3. Lawyer Protection Act (USA, various states)
4. Uniform Law for Lawyer Protection (ULLP)
Key Agencies Involved
1. Judiciary (special courts and judges)
2. Law Enforcement (police and security agencies)
3. Bar Associations (lawyer organizations and associations)
4. Government Agencies (Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs)
These procedural features ensure efficient, effective, and secure protection for lawyers, maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
