In general, which statement best reflects the principle of independence for barristers?

• A. Barristers should avoid making professional judgments
• B. Barristers must act solely in the client's best interests; free from external control or pressure
• C. Barristers should align with instructing solicitors
• D. Barristers should avoid any client input

Answer: (B)

Independence means the barrister’s professional judgment isn’t controlled by others and they can advocate without improper influence. The statement that best reflects this principle combines two essential ideas: they must act solely in the client’s best interests, and they must be free from external control or pressure. This ensures the client gets vigorous, principled advocacy guided by the law and ethics, not by a solicitor’s preferences, the client’s pressure, or any outside authority.

Think of it this way: the barrister takes direction from the client within legal and ethical boundaries, but the ultimate strategic and ethical choices—what arguments to run, what points to concede, what evidence to rely on—originates from the barrister’s independent professional judgment. That balance preserves fairness in the process and protects the client’s interests from improper interference.