<P> In R v Secretary of State for Home Department, ex parte Tarrant (1983), Webster J. set out six factors to be considered when deciding whether to allow representation by counsel, namely: </P> <Ul> <Li> the seriousness of the charge and the potential penalty; </Li> <Li> whether any points of law are likely to arise.; </Li> <Li> whether the prisoner is capable of presenting his own case; </Li> <Li> whether there are any procedural difficulties faced by prisoners in conducting their own defence; </Li> <Li> whether there is reasonable speed in making the adjudication; and </Li> <Li> whether there is a need for fairness between prisoners or between prisoners and prison officers . </Li> </Ul> <Li> the seriousness of the charge and the potential penalty; </Li> <Li> whether any points of law are likely to arise.; </Li>

Knowledge and understanding of the principles of natural justice