Inadequate legal counsel for minorities

The right to counsel presupposes that the services of counsel are given competently, diligently and fearlessly. Discriminatory factors limit access to the legal profession and harm the observance of this right, since they make it less likely that every accused, no matter of what race, colour, sex, or political beliefs, will find a competent lawyer willing to take up his case with proper devotion. Furthermore, the exclusion of persons from the legal profession may result in inequality in the administration of justice, since access to the profession influences the whole judicial system in many countries. The inability or unwillingness to provide interpreters or translators for minorities who require legal services but who are unable to speak or write the official language(s), is a serious limitation of their rights. Individuals who cannot communicate adequately with court or probation officers may be imprisoned or placed in custodial institutions.