Legal Profession Law in Morocco: Ongoing Strike and Open Crisis

In Morocco, the lawyers' crisis with the government continues over Law 66.23 regulating the profession, despite its entry into force following King Mohammed VI's issuance of the royal decree (Dahir) on August 20, and the inability to resolve its constitutionality. While the Association of Moroccan Bar Associations insists on continuing the strike and defending the independence of the profession, calls are growing—some from within the professional body itself—to return to the courts. This comes amid a trading of blame over the outcome of the crisis, while the association confirms that its disagreement is professional and institutional, and that it is not 'challenging' the royal institution or the constants of the state.