Forming an Agenda - Ethics and Legal Ethics

Abstract:     
The law profession is unique in the scope of the mandate it gives those within it to intervene in other people's affairs. As a result of this unique power of intervention, lawyers encounter a number of unique problems. This paper elucidates upon, and applies, the moral standards and intuitions to be used in approaching these problems. It argues that we should form our consciences in dialogue with our clients and that once they are formed we must follow them and limit our representation accordingly. If lawyer and client cannot agree on an agenda with which both are comfortable, the lawyer should withdraw. In any event, no client has the right to the assistance of a lawyer- or anyone else- in perpetrating an injustice.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 23

Accepted Paper Series