The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-11
THE CODE OF ETHICS
DUTY or ATTORNEYS TO COURT
AyD JUDICIAL OFFICERs.
And the Duties OF Members OF the Bar to
Each other, TO Clients and to the PUB
lie According 10 the Association

T. o. James suggested that the N"ue
OF Ethics" as practiced by the associa-
ton be printed in the papers
The suggestion was popular one, ana
Colonel james accordingly offered reso-
luton 10 that effect, which was unani-
mously adopted by the association.
The Code OF Ethics is as follows:
The purity and efficiency OF judicial
administration. which under our system
IS largely government itself, depends as
much upon the character conduct. and
demeanor of attorneys In their great
trust, as upon the fidelity and learning
Of courts. or the honesty and intelligence
OF juries.
There is perhaps no profession, after
that Of the sacred ministry. in which a
high-toned morality is more imperatively
necessary than that OF the law. There
Is certainly without any exception no
profession in which so many temptations
boset the path 10 swerve from the lines
Of strict integrity; in which so many del
icate and difficult questions Of duty are
constantly arising. There are pitfalls
and man-traps at every step. ana the
mere youth at the very outset OF his
career. needs often the prudence 81 self
denial as well as The moral courage,
which belong commonly 20 ripper years.
High moral principle is his only safe
guide: the only torch TO light his way
amidst darkness and obstruction. "-Shars-
wood
No rule will determine an attorneys
duty IN the varying phases Of every
case. What is right and proper must in
the absence Of statutory rules and an au-
thoritative code. be ascertained in view
OF the peculiar facts. In tho light of con-
science and the conduct of honorable
and distinguished attorneys in similar
cases and by the analogy To the duties
cnloined by statute and tho rules OF
good neehborhood
The following general rules are adopt
cd by tho Bar Association Of the city Of
Richmond for the guidance of its mem
hers.
DUTY or ATTORNEYS 70 COURT
AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS.
l. The respect enioined by law for
courts and judicial officers is cxacted for
the sake OF the Office. and not for the
individual who administers IL. Bad opin-
ion Of the incumbent. however well
founded. cannot excuse the Withholding
OF the respect due the office. while adj
ministering its functions.
o. The proprieties OF the judicial sta
zion. in n great measure. disable tho
structures upon his official conduct For
this reason. and because such criticisms
tend 10 impair public confidence I'm the
administration of Justice. attorneys
should as ID rule refrain from published
criticism OF Judicial conduct. especially
in reference 10 causes in which they have
been Of counsel. otherwise than I'm courts
Of review. or when the conduct Of tho
Judge is necessarily involved in determin-
inc his removal from or continuance in
Office
g. Marked attention and unusual hos
pitality Ia n judge. when the relations
Of the parties are such that thew would
not otherwise be extended subject both
Judge and attorney 10 mscOnstructon.
and should be sedulously avoided. \ self
respecting independence i'm the discharge
OF the attorneys duties which AT the
same time does not withhold the cour-
tesv and respect due 20 the judges sta
ton. Is the only just foundation for cor
dial. personal and official relations he
tween Bench and Bar. All attempts by
means beyond these 20 gain special per
sonal consideration and favor Of a judge
are disreputahle.
T. Courts and judicial officers. I'm the
riphtful exercise Of their functions.
should always receive the support and
cOuntcnancc Of attorneys against unjust
criticisms and popular clamor: and it IS
an attorneys duty 10 give them his NOR
al support in all proper ways. and parti-
cularly by setting good example in his
own person of obedience TO law.
3. The utmost candor and fairness
should characterize the dealings Of at
torneys With the courts and with each
other. knowingly citing as authority
an overruled case. or reading "a repealed
statute as in existence: knowingly mis-
quoting the language OF n decision Of a
textbook. knowingly misstating the con-
tents Of a paper. the testimony Of q Wit
ness. or the language or arguments Of
the opposite counsel. Offering evidence
which IL Is known the court must re-
iect as Illegal to get IL before the iurv
under the guise OF arguing It's admis-
siblity and all kindred practices arc
deceits and evasions unworthy Of attor-
news.
Purposely concealinr or Withholding
In the opening arguments positions in
tended finally 10 be relied on, in order
that the opposite counsel NAV not dis
cuss them Is unprofessional Courts and
iuries look with disfavor on such prac-
tees and are quick 10 suspect the weak
ness Of the cause which has need TO re-
sort to them.
In the argument Of demurrers. admis-
sion OF evidence. and other questions OF
from side BAR remarks and sparrin,,
discourse 10 influence the jury or by
ISLANDERS Personal colloquies hetUeon
counsel tend TO delay and promote nm
seemly wrangling. ana ought To he dis
couraged
IT, Attorneys owe ~ 10 the courts. and
the public whose business the courts
transact. as well as to ,heir own clients
TO be punctuai in attendance on their
causes and whenever an attorney is late
ne should apologize or explain his alb
sence.
Z. one side must always lose the cause.
and 1t Is not wise or respectful 10 the
court for attorneys 10 display temper
because Of an adverse ruling.
DUTIES OF ATTORNEYS TO EACH
OTHER. TO CLIENTS AND TO THE
PUBLIC.
8. An attorney should strive. at all
times, 10 uphold the honor. maintain the
dignity and promote the usefulness OF
the profession; for it is 50 interviewer
with the administration OF justice that
whatever rebounds 70 the good OF one
advances the other and the attorney thus
discharges, not merely an obligation 10
his brothers. but high duty TO the
State and his fellow-man.
.. An attorney should not speak slight
ingly or disparagingly OF his profession
or pander in any way To the unjust pop
ular preiudices against IT, and he should
scruulously refrain at all times. and in
all relations OF life, from availing himself
of any prejudice or popular misconception
against lawyers in order to carry point