Question

"The fundamental aim of Legal Ethics is to maintain the honour and dignity of the Law Profession, to secure a spirit of friendly co-operation between the Bench and the Bar in the promotion of highest standards of justice, to establish honourable and fair dealings of the counsel with his client opponent and witnesses; to establish a spirit of brotherhood in the Bar itself; and to secure that lawyers discharge their responsibilities to the community generally." Whose statement is this?

• A. Chief Justice Marshall
• B. Chief Justice Coke
• C. Chief Justice Halsbury
• D. Chief Justice Bacon

Hint:

For exams on legal ethics, it is useful to remember a few key quotes and the jurists associated with them. Statements by prominent figures like Chief Justice Marshall or Lord Denning often form the basis for direct questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the author of a famous quotation that encapsulates the core principles of legal ethics. Legal ethics are the moral principles and code of conduct that govern the behaviour of legal professionals. This quote outlines the duties of lawyers towards the court, clients, opponents, colleagues, and the community.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This celebrated statement, which defines the objectives of legal ethics, is widely attributed to Chief Justice Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice, and his long tenure had a profound impact on shaping American constitutional law and the role of the judiciary. His pronouncements on legal principles and ethics are highly regarded. The quote emphasizes the multifaceted role of a lawyer, not just as a representative of a client, but as an officer of the court and a responsible member of society, committed to upholding justice and the dignity of the legal profession.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The statement is attributed to Chief Justice Marshall.