What are the arrangements for collaboration between the OPCD and Counsel?

The OPCD provides support and assistance to Counsel for the defence (or to persons entitled to legal assistance who have opted to defend themselves or to understand their rights) at their request, by means of a form made available to them and on which they can detail the nature of the research or legal opinions sought, and the date on which they wish to receive the results.
Counsel, acting on their client’s instructions, develops a defence strategy and decides on the content of the arguments and submissions. It is Counsel’s sole responsibility to decide whether or not to use the studies or draft applications prepared by the OPCD. The OPCD never interferes with the strategy adopted by Counsel.
The OPCD is neither involved in the assignment of Counsel nor responsible for providing them with administrative assistance.