The Court held that the right imposed a duty upon the police to provide information and access to a legal aid lawyer if needed.

From this case came the term "Brydges Counsel" to refer to legal aid lawyers that assist recently arrested individuals.

Upon arriving at the police station Brydges was informed of his right to retain and instruct counsel and gave him the opportunity to contact a lawyer.

The officer said that he imagined so, to which Brydges replied "won't be able to afford anyone, hey?

At trial, the judge found that Brydges had made a request for a lawyer at the beginning of the questioning, and that the police did not adequately help Brydges in contacting a lawyer when he first asked about Legal Aid.