State Ex Rel. Sights v. Edwards

DISSENTING OPINION

Emmert, J.

The difficulties in this controversy arose because the trustee was attempting to act as his own lawyer even though he and the school township were entitled to the competent services of a skilled member of the legal profession at public expense. Although there are exceptions to most generalizations, the facts here demonstrate that there is much wisdom in the old adage that “He who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” It has particular force to one in the public service who has no authorities except those granted by statute.

The Legislature has provided by…