A-Moral Advocate or a Pure Legal Advocate
3.Explain and critically discuss the view that a good lawyer must be an a-moral advocate or pure legal advocate. Consider the arguments on both sides of this question. Make use of some examples.
The legal profession quite often comes under scrutiny from the general public and frequently is portrayed in negative light. Lawyers are naturally given a higher social status with the income to match. The legal profession however is still one of the most popular occupations that students strive to become and it is obvious that people recognize and appreciate the importance of this occupation within society. Lawyers and the legal profession on a moral ground are not viewed as morally good or fair. Lawyers face a difficult conflict where in America the code of professional Responsibility states “Lawyers have the solemn duty to uphold the honour and integrity of the profession, and encourage respect for the law and courts”. In a conflicting manner the ACPR also states that cannon 7 “ A lawyer must represent his client zealously within the bounds of the law. He must suspend his beliefs and his ethical judgement, and in some cases work zealously for a decision he knows will be unjust. A lawyer is not an umpire but an advocate” It is a fine line for a lawyer to walk to uphold respect for the profession and law, but also do everything within their power and a legal manner to ensure their client is given a fair trial. The moral conflicts that lawyers face on a regular basis steams to the question of whether a good lawyer can be a morally good person, or simply a good lawyer must be a pure legal advocate. This also raises a number of other issues such as whats defines a morally good person or how do we determine a pure legal advocate or someone of an a-moral status. This paper will discuss the different views and conflicts created in the legal profession and further explore what makes a ‘good lawyer’.
The term a ‘good lawyer’ is interpreted differently be certain people, some
The legal profession quite often comes under scrutiny from the general public and frequently is portrayed in negative light. Lawyers are naturally given a higher social status with the income to match. The legal profession however is still one of the most popular occupations that students strive to become and it is obvious that people recognize and appreciate the importance of this occupation within society. Lawyers and the legal profession on a moral ground are not viewed as morally good or fair. Lawyers face a difficult conflict where in America the code of professional Responsibility states “Lawyers have the solemn duty to uphold the honour and integrity of the profession, and encourage respect for the law and courts”. In a conflicting manner the ACPR also states that cannon 7 “ A lawyer must represent his client zealously within the bounds of the law. He must suspend his beliefs and his ethical judgement, and in some cases work zealously for a decision he knows will be unjust. A lawyer is not an umpire but an advocate” It is a fine line for a lawyer to walk to uphold respect for the profession and law, but also do everything within their power and a legal manner to ensure their client is given a fair trial. The moral conflicts that lawyers face on a regular basis steams to the question of whether a good lawyer can be a morally good person, or simply a good lawyer must be a pure legal advocate. This also raises a number of other issues such as whats defines a morally good person or how do we determine a pure legal advocate or someone of an a-moral status. This paper will discuss the different views and conflicts created in the legal profession and further explore what makes a ‘good lawyer’.
The term a ‘good lawyer’ is interpreted differently be certain people, some