The Courts-Martial (Royal Air Force) Rules 1997

Conduct of the defence

15.—(1) An accused who has been notified that he is to be tried by court-martial shall be afforded a proper opportunity for preparing his defence.

(2) A defending officer shall be appointed by the commanding officer of the accused to assist the accused to prepare and conduct his defence, unless the accused states in writing that he does not wish such an appointment to be made.

(3) The accused may appoint a legal adviser to act for him and any right or responsibility which accrues to the accused by virtue of these Rules (except pleading to a charge) may be exercised by the accused’s legal adviser on his behalf.

(4) The accused shall inform the court administration officer of the name and address of his legal adviser as soon as is practicable after a legal adviser has been appointed.

(5) A legal adviser may represent an accused at a formal preliminary examination, at any preliminary proceedings and before a court-martial if he is—

(a)a person who has a general qualification within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990(1);

(b)an advocate or a solicitor in Scotland;

(c)a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland or a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Northern Ireland; or

(d)a person who has in any Commonwealth country rights and duties similar to those of a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales, and is subject to punishment or disability for breach of professional rules.