Thanks Troops … but why the top echelon of the legal fraternity?
He is entitled to the very best representation that can be procured. As am I , as you are, ...it is a very serious charge, the only charge more serious is treason, which , in AU, you can still be hung for , .. the seriousness of the charge is what attracts the top echelon. Not his personality, or his situation, or his colour, or his creed, but the crime, itself. ..
It serves no purpose to anyone should he be represented by someone unqualified, ( his crime means it's a Supreme Court matter, and that means a Barrister is required, a solicitor cannot represent you at a Supreme Court trial ),... it is how the system works, but it does work for anyone, really....
It's a matter , philosophically, of the Balance of Power. The State, in the shape of police, courts, judges, prisons, etc, has enormous power , and to balance that , the citizen has to have legal representation, when pursued by the State that is experienced and qualified and , one hopes , courageous and wise. Barristers, being Officers of the Court first and foremost, swear to these things upon being called to the Bar.