The Ethics of Representing Elected Representatives
Law and Contemporary Problems, Vol. 61, No. 31, 1988
Washington University in St. Louis Legal Studies Research Paper No. 12-04-04
16 Pages Posted: 9 May 2012
Date Written: May 8, 2012
Abstract
This essay is an attempt to sketch out in a preliminary way the work of several different types of legislative lawyers. It suggests that the role of lawyers who work for individual legislators may actually be quite similar to that of certain lawyers in the Executive Branch. The essay also examines the moral choices faced by legislative lawyers, and the degree to which their professional roles may insulate them from moral responsibility for the consequences wrought by the legislation on which they work. It is based primarily on my own experiences and observations as a lawyer on Capitol Hill as well as my conversations with other congressional lawyers.
Keywords: legislative lawyers, congressional lawyers, ethics, professional responsibility
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation