Lawyer for accused murderer Anne Norris says her rights must be protected

"One of the most basic principles of our criminal justice system is to ensure that people are not convicted of murdersthey didn't commit," says Jerome Kennedy, a former minister of justice, and nowone of two high profile lawyers representing accused murderer, Anne Norris.

Norris, 28, is charged with the first-degree murder ofMarcelReardon, 46, outside a downtown St. John's apartment complex two weeks ago.

• Slaying suspect Anne Norris was among top teen athletes a decade ago

• Anne Norris charged with 1st degree murder of Marcel Reardon

She is also being represented by well-known criminal lawyer, Rosellen Sullivan.

"We have to look at the evidence," said Kennedy. "Ms. Norris is protected by the presumption of innocence and she has constitutional rights, which Ms. Sullivan and myself will ensure are protected"

The CBC has reported that Norris hasbipolar disorder, and was released from theWaterfordHospital just days beforeReardonwas killed.

Two people who saw Reardon's body told CBC his head had been smashed.

"It's really too early at this stage to comment. We haven't seen the evidence," said Kennedy when asked if he might argue that Norris isnotcriminally responsible because of mental illness.

"I've had one meeting, and myself andMs. Sullivan have met with Ms. Norris. Wehaven't had a chance yet to havethat full chat that we need to have," said Kennedy.

"Obviously this young lady is under enormous stress, and we have to ensure that when we speak to her that she is fully aware of everything that is going on. And she understands the implications of the chargebeing first-degree murder."

Kennedy saidhe knows Norris's father Gary Norris, the province's top civil servant before his retirement in 2010and was asked by the family to consider taking the case.

He saidthe case also interests him, given Norris's age and background.

There has been speculation that someone else could have been involved, given thatReardonwas a big man, and that Norris is slight in stature.

"It doesn't help anything or anyone at this point by speculating" said Kennedy. "We'll see the crown's file. We'll make our decisions based on what's contained in those materials."

Tuesday, Norrisappeared via video link from the Correctional Centre for Women in Clarenville.

Kennedy told the court that the defence will be asking to have any search warrants unsealed.

Prosecutor Elaine Reidis representing the Crown.

Norris's case is backin court on May 31.