Killer's QC 'just doing her job'

Directing abuse towards Clayton Weatherston's lawyer is misplaced and unacceptable, says the New Zealand Law Society's president.

John Marshall, QC, said those who directed anger at Judith Ablett Kerr, QC, after the Christchurch trial in which Weatherston was found guilty of murdering former girlfriend Sophie Elliott displayed a fundamental misunderstanding of the lawyer's role.

Acid was thrown over Ms Ablett Kerr's car during the trial and she has reportedly received hate mail and death threats.

"This abusive and threatening behaviour directed against a lawyer who is simply doing her job is totally unacceptable," Mr Marshall said yesterday.

"Those who question why Judith Ablett Kerr 'chose' to defend Clayton Weatherston need to realise that a lawyer actually has no choice in the matter. The general rule is that lawyers must accept the clients who ask them to act for them."

- NZPA