CJA/324
The Lawyer-Client Relationship
The Lawyer-Client relationship is a relationship similar to one of a long-time best friend.
The information passed among an attorney, and the client is very confidential, as information shared with a best friend whom an individual believes and trusts in what that person says to him and primarily keep the information between the two. Lawyers must keep information confidential even when the case is over with, for matters that can later occur and not incriminate the ex-client. Like when a friendship is lost from a friend, but still keep the information that shared among the two to themselves because at that time the individual trusted in him. The process of the Lawyer–Client relationship becomes when an individual has committed a crime and needs a zealous advocate to represent him in the matter. In other words the defendant needs a best friend who will stand up for him and protect him when the defendant is not able to defend for himself. Although the relationship is similar to a personal friendship the lawyer must keep in mind that he should not let his emotions interfere with the case but should maintain a professional relationship, as a counselor and defense attorney to be logical in the matter when both sides of the criminal justice system present the case. When representing a client an attorney must be competent with the law and aware of any changes. The lawyer’s obligation is to know the laws and statues when representing a client, if the attorney is not aware of the matter than this becomes a major issue. A client turns for help from an attorney like a friend turns to help from a best friend hoping that he will help him out of the situation he are facing. A true friend looks for his friend’s best interest and in how he can help in any way, shape, or form and keeping the wishes of the friend on
References: Braswell, M., McCarthy, B. R., & McCarthy, B. J. (2008). Justice,crime, and ethics (6th ed.). Dayton: Lexis Nexis Cohen, E. (2002). “Pure Legal Advocates and Moral Agents Revisited: A Reply to Memory and Rose.” Criminal Justice Ethics, 21(1):39-55. Memory, J. & C. Rose (2002). “The Attorney as Moral Agent: A Critique of Cohen.” Criminal Justice Ethics, 21(1):28-39.