Alagi Yorro Jallow.
In a world where ‘alternative facts’ and ‘hyperbole’ often obscure the distinction between truth and falsehood, a lawyer who aids courts, clients, and the public in discerning the truth provides an invaluable service.
Whether the small nation of Gambia, with a population under 3 million, needs such a large number of lawyers. Recently, 82 new lawyers were admitted to the Bar by the General Legal Council, including 37 Ghanaians, 4 Cameroonians, and 41 Gambians. Given Gambia’s modest population size, the consistent influx of new lawyers each year is noteworthy. This influx, while reflecting a growing interest in law and justice, also underscores a significant demand within the judicial system
Fatoumatta: The need for more magistrates and judges, rather than merely more lawyers, is crucial. A balanced and efficient judiciary is vital to uphold the rule of law, ensure swift justice, and sustain public confidence in our legal system. Increasing the number of judges would help diminish case backlogs, accelerate legal processes, and enhance justice accessibility for all Gambians.
While we celebrate the achievements of the newly admitted lawyers, it’s equally important to focus on strengthening our judiciary. Advocating for the appointment and training of more magistrates, judges, and judicial officials is essential to uphold a robust, fair, and effective legal system capable of meeting the needs of our growing society.
Fatoumatta: While passing the bar exam may bring joy to successful candidates, the influx of new lawyers into the workforce annually raises concerns, especially in a country grappling with numerous economic and social issues. Fatoumatta questions the necessity of producing such a significant number of lawyers each year. With an increasing number of lawyers seeking employment, are we encouraging the growth of a litigious society?
Joseph Stiglitz’s book “The Price of Inequality,” where the Nobel Prize-winning economist notes that some studies have shown countries with fewer lawyers relative to their population experience faster growth. Other research suggests that a high proportion of lawyers in a society may harm the economy by diverting talent from more innovative sectors, such as engineering and science. This observation is particularly relevant to the Gambia.
