Minky Braun Profile Banner
Minky Braun Profile
Minky Braun

@IndeedQuite

770
Followers
667
Following
13
Media
271
Statuses

Criminal barrister, feminist, liberal, tries to do right and fear nobody

London, England
Joined February 2010
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
@ishkolhatkar A shout out to the good people of South London: thank you for being almost entirely masked on the northern line this morning.
0
4
314
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@acatfromgreece I was due to start a firearms trial on Monday (possession of firearms with intent to endanger life). 30 chambers had been contacted when original counsel became unavailable - but nobody could be found to prosecute the trial.
1
40
131
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@BarristerSecret In every cold and shabby crown court robing room you will inevitably see an experienced barrister carefully explaining an aspect of law or procedure to a terrified junior. Always with good humour, never with any expectation of reward. That’s the true culture of the criminal bar.
2
12
123
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
Women barristers of twitter - serious Q: Are these appropriate court footwear?If not, would colouring the yellow thread black help?
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
70
7
122
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
6 months
@KatieMcFadden27 Katie, this is absolutely appalling. I’m apoplectic on your behalf. No person should be subject to this form of degradation and mistreatment - least of all before they attend their place of work in order to perform a valuable public service.
0
0
85
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
6 months
@KatieMcFadden27 Every time I attend Woolwich CC, there is discussion in the women’s robing room about how humiliating an experience it is to attend that court. Shoes off, stand on dirty floor, jacket off, arms out, an unnecessarily long search using a wand, breasts / body regularly bumped.
8
10
77
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
It’s worth paying attention to the criminal bar. We aren’t going to just go away. We know that the justice system depends on us holding firm. We are fighting for our clients today and for the defendants of tomorrow. 👊🏼
@TheCriminalBar
The CBA
2 years
Criminal barristers have attended Parliament to lobby their MPs regarding the crisis in the Criminal Justice System
Tweet media one
17
269
932
2
25
72
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
Commendable honesty from court list office this afternoon notifying us that our 4 week trial of 6 defendants would not start on Monday: “just as it is nigh impossible to find a barrister to cover a hearing these days it is equally, if not more so, as impossible to find a judge”
6
21
66
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@TheCriminalBar It goes against every one of my instincts to walk out on my client. I hate the very idea. And it places me personally at risk of regulatory action. But this is a stance we must take to protect and preserve a viable criminal justice system.
3
5
64
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
Thank you @gatehouse_law for such a fabulous party last night. And to: @BrieWhatC @pjm1kbw @FaiselSadiq @MaryjaneFurniss @sonianolten for hosting us so well. It was excellent to meet so many lovely new peeps. This Twitter malarkey isn’t all bad, it seems…
4
0
47
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@TheCriminalBar Our regulator, our representative body and the LCJ were so focused on the obligations on the criminal bar, they forgot that as human beings, we have rights too.
2
7
42
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@Kirsty_Hulse How shockingly rude. I had a bloke tell me not to sit on empty and unreserved seats near he and his friend on a crowded train, as they didn’t want anybody sitting with them. They didn’t appreciate my explanation of why it’s called “public transport”.
0
0
40
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@RussInCheshire The correct reaction to flag waving:
1
6
36
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@JohnHyde1982 @davidallengreen No surprise. When the AG attended the Bar Council meeting on 23 June she was asked about hostile Parliamentary language being directed at lawyers. Rather than at the very least express regret, she said “Every member of the Bar is encouraged to watch their language”.
1
9
30
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
A shout out to @thebrieftweet @TomRHickman & @FaiselSadiq - the crack team of civil barristers who were ready to judicially review the MOJ into submission. #OneBar
Tweet media one
3
3
27
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
Was really disappointed to see this graffiti close to home yesterday. I went back today, armed and ready to do something about it. Was delighted that somebody had beaten me to it!
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
2
2
28
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
Because I care about the criminal justice system, I too am proud to declare: ⁃I will be following No Returns ⁃I will never join a public defender service I fully support @TheCriminalBar in a united campaign, working with all arms of the profession 
Tweet media one
0
8
26
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@Northern_Bobby My client’s Custody Record many years ago, “Occupation: Burglar”. 🤦🏻‍♀️
0
0
26
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@CrimeGirI Young lad I defended was found not guilty. He asked me to wait a few minutes. He returned to court out of breath, clutching a bunch of flowers. (He had been released from custody with a grand total of 11p.)
0
2
25
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@MaxJLHardy Before I could say anything, an older neighbour popped up from his front garden and said, “Leave her alone lads, can’t you see she’s a brief and she’s working”. I had not said a word.
1
1
25
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
@JoshuaRozenberg @hardwickelaw On investigation, their chambers name did not reflect their values - so (no doubt with some cost and inconvenience) they changed it. What a class act.
1
1
22
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@AlexChalkChelt @JoshuaRozenberg A few practical Qs: You haven’t got the staff to bring defendants to court when they are desperate to conclude their cases. So, who exactly do you expect will drag reluctant defendants into court? And if defendants shout and swear at sentencing, do you propose to muzzle them?
0
1
19
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@Novocastrian01 @CrimeGirI @BarristerSecret What an impressive piece of work. Very well done!
1
0
17
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Joanna__Hardy Absolutely right. The criminal justice system would have completely collapsed years ago if criminal barristers *only* did what they were paid to do.
1
0
18
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@MaxJLHardy As a pupil barrister, I lived in a particularly rough part of London. One day, as I trudged home in my tatty suit, dragging my battered trolly case behind me, a group of lads started shouting, “Oi, trolly dolly…”
1
2
15
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@CrimeGirI Criminal barristers routinely place their clients’ interests over their own. After I was pushed into “the gap” on my way to court, I paused only to mop up my blood and limped to court. Striking goes against our instincts. We are doing this to preserve the criminal justice system
0
3
14
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@rascott2010 There was that time I kicked my uncomfortable high heels off when the J asked me if I minded handing something to his as the usher had left the courtroom. Terrifying seconds passed before I found them.
1
0
13
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@HudsonKerry Problem with practicing in crime is that because we are barely paid for our work, our time is perceived by many as having no value.
1
5
13
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
7 months
Absolutely. I left the meeting all the more impressed with both of them. Here’s hoping they set the trend going forward.
@FaiselSadiq
Faisel Sadiq
7 months
Last night I was left thinking how much better British politics would be if all of our MPs were as classy as @EmilyThornberry and @VictoriaPrentis . Emily spoke at a meeting of @thebarcouncil last night. It was clear from her speech and from discussion afterwards that she
1
4
46
0
1
12
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@beawebwriter My heartfelt sympathy. In a civilised society parents should not be able to *choose* to deny their child a secular education. The lack of a proper education is designed to trap adherents. This is quite a cynical ploy. Those with an education are less likely to want to remain.
1
1
11
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@JamesTurner37 @FaiselSadiq @TheInnerTemple Despite your best efforts at hiding - look who I spotted here…
Tweet media one
3
1
9
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@MAMBarLife Criminal barristers know that so many depend on us to keep our shit together - no matter what. Which is why I went to court immediately after a serious ‘being pushed in the gap’ accident and the day after a heart procedure.
2
0
10
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@YehudisFletcher This is a community of women controlled within an inch of their lives. There are rules governing what they wear, think and when they may speak. Of course those in charge are terrified of these women obtaining an education. If they did, most would understandably flee.
1
0
9
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@CrimeGirI Hey, waitaminute, the evidence is entirely circumstantial. Child is of completely good character and has excellent prospects at trial. Baby may look completely adorable but child is entitled to a fair trial - stop leaning on child to plead!
0
0
9
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@LuNicholls @acmogan Equality of arms also appears to somehow mean that the prosecution are provided with admin facilities at court - which defence are not.
1
0
9
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
Never Again Is a trite refrain When we fail to see Others in pain To honour our dead To their memory be true Remember the living And honour them too Acknowledge their suffering Know their plight Only then are we doing ‘Never Again’ right
Tweet media one
0
1
8
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
I’m a big fan of politeness. I don’t drop doors onto people’s faces and expect others not to either. But chaps, REFUSING to walk through a door that a woman holds open is just weird and rude. (“No, I INSIST, after you…”) This is not politeness - it’s performative chivalry.
0
1
9
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@lookatmybriefs @FaiselSadiq I suspect it’s because criminal barristers are not properly paid for their time, that some judges make the mistake of thinking that our time is worthless.
0
1
9
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@sairakabir01 @FaiselSadiq I was ogling them at the online DM shop and @FaiselSadiq noticed. The very next day both pairs were waiting for me at home! 😍
4
0
8
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@fkrougman @FaiselSadiq @gifford_head @LottieJohn1 @legalstyleblog When the pen collection began, I naively thought - ‘pens are so little, what harm could that cause’? But then came the tools, the nib grinder… 🙄
2
1
7
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@ryanjreilly That is absolutely appalling. I’m surprised such an overtly bigoted comment didn’t elicit a reaction from the judge. But, the US system of selecting jurors based on a perception of their likely biases does seem to invite stereotyping though.
0
0
7
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
8 months
@cehashley @gifford_head @FaiselSadiq @crimcounsel @SCynic1 Absolutely right. Ran into a friend at court last week (20ish years call). A judge directed that counsel draft admissions and respond to emails between 6pm and 10pm so that there could be a “full working day at court”. He responded by sending a copy of CBA’s wellness protocol.
1
2
7
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@paulbaker14 @AudreySuffolk Sounds familiar. My trial involved two groups firing at one another. Fortunately nobody was shot. The LAA argued that it was not a “violent offence” because nobody was hurt. They only capitulated when threatened with appeal. But who has time for these things?
0
4
7
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@CrimeGirI It’s important to give clear instructions on appropriate dress. I advised a very young client to wear something nice for her sentencing hearing. She turned up in a purple, sequinned, crop top - it was apparently the “nicest” top she had.
0
0
6
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@CrimeGirI Absolutely right. I was due to do a remote mention at 10 am today. It was listed 1 month ago to be a digital mention. All 5 barristers in the case were relieved and planned around this. With no notice or explanation, at 2:30 pm yesterday decided that all parties are to attend.
1
1
6
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Martinf76606790 @krishgm @metpoliceuk Discussion about race is sometimes boring to those whose *only* experience of racism is to hear people talking about it. Those at the receiving end of racism (and those with empathy for others) find it very interesting.
0
0
7
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@stuartwilks @FaiselSadiq I was told that any colour other than clear nail polish was a no no. I once couldn’t get my party shellac removed before a trial started and was having kittens until I noticed the judge’s lovely red manicured nails!
4
0
7
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@RugbyBarrister @TweetingYet HHJ Rook QC is a fantastic, compassionate judge and an obviously decent human being. There was no way that the original report was correct.
0
0
6
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Joanna__Hardy I’m so glad I get to play. I’ve been waiting for my “conference host” for 20 minutes - whilst staring at my expectant face.
2
1
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
This is not the first time the trial has been adjourned. It was due to take place a month ago. No judges then either. So they adjourned, then also at short notice, and insisted on Monday’s trial date. This caused more than half the defendants to have to instruct new barristers.
0
2
6
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@FaiselSadiq Thank you all for the recommendations. FYI - a certain person operated on the basis that seeing these were the ‘core requirements’. Fingers and toes crossed for a light day at court tomorrow. 😬
0
0
6
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@Greekbluenose I briefly tried “Peace Out Homie” but was assured, in no uncertain terms, that I couldn’t pull it off.
0
0
6
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@Ailish_Campbell One time, walked into cell at court to meet client for 1st time. It’s not subtle: white collar, black robe, horsehair wig. I advise client on evidence. Client looked over to male, unqualified, school-age work experience companion and told me he’d like to hear his view first. 🤦🏻‍♀️
0
0
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@CrimeGirI Our judges can see for themselves the sorry state of our justice system. They watch criminal barristers run ragged trying to make up for these deficiencies. What is truly disappointing is that criminal barristers have been driven to this point.
0
1
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@aadhithya_a @YoungBarristers @WomenintheLawUK It *was* discourteous - even if it was not intended as such. On a similar note, my client’s response to a more lenient sentence than he was expecting was to shout “Thanks love!” at the judge from the dock.
0
0
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
@iudicatepauperi @FaiselSadiq @Ned173QC @MAMBarLife The sex cases I have done have involved allegations of rape - but also allegations of other sexual misconduct (online grooming, possession of indecent images, indecent exposure…) So what’s wrong with using the term ‘sex cases’? And thanks Neil.
2
1
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@JoDQC @Kirsty_Brimelow The Bar is no worse than other walks of life. But sadly, it is no better. Our profession is about as sexist and about as racist as broader society. So women, ethnic minority and disabled advocates have to navigate the usual obstacles PLUS a bonus array of extra hurdles.
0
1
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@YehudisFletcher @JewishNewsUK Those who have the courage and awareness to report sexual abuse *are* ostracised. They are told that such allegations are fodder for antisemites and are left unsupported and feeling guilty about wanting to pursue justice.
0
3
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@PosenIzzy Many more people yearn to leave than actually go through with it. Many only stay because of practical obstacles (poor language skills, limited education, no work prospects) and social pressure (losing your family and the only community you have known).
1
1
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@CrimeGirI Trials are delayed every day because basic things just don’t function. Like the countless hours lost when prisoners are routinely not produced at court on time.
2
1
5
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@CrimeGirI Several Crown Court judges have told me privately that they are not disappointed that criminal barristers are striking. Many have themselves had enough. They preside over life and death cases in embarrassingly dilapidated, leaking courtrooms.
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
@thebarcouncil @9StJohnStreet @3rblaw @OMayDays @No5Chambers And that dashing dude, corner left is @FaiselSadiq @gatehouse_law - who ditched me for this today
0
0
2
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Mark_George_QC @HMCTSgovuk Ooh, I’m doing my bit to hamstring the criminal justice system. I’ve spent 2 days reading through material served late by the prosecution - which I will not be paid to read. What a disgrace, liberal lefty lawyers, cynically propping up a criminally underfunded justice system.
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@daniellejmanson I won’t now ever be able to forget that. 😂
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@CharterChambers What terrible news. Unfortunately this fate will befall other criminal chambers too.
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@KateSto16564560 I’d only ever seen grey squirrels. Then 2 weeks ago, this little fella moved into my garden.
Tweet media one
1
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@MAMBarLife The insane rationalisations of the criminal barrister. “To be fair”!
1
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
The MOJ claims it’s unlawful to increase criminal barristers fees on existing cases - but were quite happy to slash fees by 30% in 2013.
@lizziedearden
Lizzie Dearden
2 years
Breaking: Barristers are threatening to sue the government as their continued strike continues to wreak havoc in courts The Criminal Bar Association has issued a letter before action to the Ministry of Justice over refusal to backdate legal aid increase
2
40
97
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Dawson_Cornwell @IAFL_FamLaw @ResLondon @ResFamilyLaw @reunite_ICAC What sad news. My condolences to Anne-Marie’s family and loved ones.
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@sairakabir01 @FaiselSadiq Excellent. I have a black marker pen and I’m prepared to use it!
3
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
6 months
@Portal_Queen @TweetingYet @MAMBarLife Delighted to discover that all these member of the Legal Twitterati exist in real life too!
1
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@RichardHuw2 How disappointing. Robing rooms are normally one of the least bad things about being a criminal barrister. Had a lovely time in Birmingham’s robing room, notwithstanding every chair being broken.
1
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@EndlessSandGirl @notmyshameuk @Project9010 This is a powerful and empowering message, Amanda. Thank you for sharing it. I respect and admire you all the more for the courage it would have taken to share it.
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@MisfitTorah A community that truly believes that theirs is the right way wouldn’t be so frightened of adherents having the requisite skills & education to leave should they choose to. A proper education is a universal right - no community should be permitted to deny this from their members.
0
1
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@JowettChristian @JamesTurner37 @TeddyLeppington You mother was entirely right. Sheets are unnecessarily noisy. And noisy, crinkly packaging really should be banned. I’m not saying I’m in favour of the death penalty - but such socially inconsiderate behaviour really ought to be marked by an appropriately onerous punishment.
2
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@WhoBeTheJudge @JWhohe I used to tell my pupils that, particularly when you defend, doing your job will sometimes annoy the judge and that it would be best if how you dressed didn’t annoy them too!
1
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@FaiselSadiq @CrimeLineLaw @CrimeLineLaw is indeed amazing. Best present. 🎁😄
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@briantylercohen When showing off about his memory, he said he asked the doctor about the acuity test, “he named it - whatever it might be”. There it is; proof positive of an excellent memory.
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
Here’s an interesting scientific question - what medical condition do those unmasked people on trains have that causes them to put their feet on the seat in front of them?
1
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
@PaulLawBlacks Are they not numbered?!
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@FaiselSadiq @BrennanQC @inner_temple @TheInnerTemple @HonSocGraysInn In a world so often full of misery and despair, I’m always glad to have a reason to smile.
0
0
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
7 months
@1985Deanne @FaiselSadiq It’s absolutely outrageous. Your lovely daughter and others like her are 100% entitled to be treated as full members of society.
0
1
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
Conceding that what the CBA was asking for was not a “legal impossibility”. An increase on fees for work to be done on an existing legal aid order is not “retrospective”.
0
1
4
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
3 years
It’s not simply that it is unprofessional and needlessly unpleasant for counsel. Poor judicial conduct can compromise a defendant’s ability to get a fair trial. It’s incumbent on us to try and do something about it.
@FaiselSadiq
Faisel Sadiq
3 years
. @TheCriminalBar , the bullying of counsel by Crown Court judges is not acceptable. If @thebarcouncil is to try and deal with it we need more data. Please remind your members to consider reporting bullying via Talk to Spot:
0
7
7
0
0
2
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@daniellejmanson @sairakabir01 @FaiselSadiq He is very sweet and not a believer in delayed gratification. Which was wise (in this instance) as they were out of stock 2 days later!
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@WigOnWheelsToBe Very many congratulations! What an inspiration you are!
1
0
2
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@MaxJLHardy And the building is even more beautiful on the inside
Tweet media one
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@liquidmarmalade @FaiselSadiq @RichardMoorhead Don’t blame me. You know F can be very persuasive! 😳
2
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
Utterly unacceptable contempt shown to junior members of the profession and to those obliged to attend.
@sarahprz82
Sarah Przybylska
4 years
Today Highbury Corner MC are running a 'bucket court': 160 - 160! - cases listed in a single courtroom, no mags or DJ, so 2 legal advisors can call them on one by one and give them a new court date. 160 lawyers required to attend court to do something that should have... 1/2
12
64
135
0
1
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
1 year
@divya_p23 @CourtsIdle Whilst your reasons are obviously sound and this decision was not arrived at lightly, the profession is losing a shocking number of experienced, specialist, criminal practitioners.
0
1
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@azzubairm @YehudisFletcher I call basic language skills and basic qualifications an education. By that metric, many within these communities are not educated.
1
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Joanna__Hardy Apparently “booth 4 needs to be rebooted”. I am to go away and return in 15 minutes.
2
0
2
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@DavidLammy The Tories appear to view “law and order” as a something to be imposed on others. They seem utterly convinced that it doesn’t apply to them.
0
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@DefenceFaithful I was translating text messages for my leader many years ago, feeling pretty good that I could understand these slang-filled exchanges. I wasn’t expecting a round of applause from my young client but was disappointed when he gave me a pitying look and told me I was “bare old”. 😳
0
1
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@CrimeGirI Or when the jury are kept waiting to be shown the evidence on which they need to determine guilt or innocence - because the only court photocopier is broken.
1
1
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
4 years
@Fenn_Emma @ukhomeoffice @BarristerSecret @Joanna__Hardy Actually, *all* naughty activist barristers and solicitors should hang their heads in shame. I mean, where do you people get off - properly discharging your legal functions in accordance with the law. Where will this madness end?!
1
0
3
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
8 months
0
0
2
@IndeedQuite
Minky Braun
2 years
@BelhadiOmran @FaiselSadiq @BarbaraRich_law I knew something big was happening as I made my way to Snaresbrook. But I determinedly kept going, walking a big chunk of the way as I had a client in custody. When I eventually made it to court, there was no client, no judges, no transport or any obvious way of getting home.
0
0
3