Evening star., 1924-03-09
BY THOMAS n. MARSHALL.
Former Vice President OF the United
StRte4.

hcc TFS0b0ent OF The United
States. .
In the course of a long life having
to do with law and politics, / have
observed that it is advisable at more
or less frequent intervals to re-enact
statutes. Provisions of the new en-
actments may be identic to the pro-
visions of the. old ones. but a purpose
is served. The public regards the
re- enactms nts as something new. Its
attention is captured. Unless this is
done the people forget the old and
ignore it's terms or assume that 1t
does not exist. To the doctrine Of a
frequent recurrence to the people for
the right to rule should be added a
frequent restatement Of principles.
/ remember very well the time our
republic was in the hands OF men who
discussed the rule Of the people along
lines or fixed and settled principles.
Then with growth in their material
wealth and prosperity the American
people grew impatient with the
scholarly old gentlemen who argued
law and legislation along theseS lines.
They commenced to demand that the
aHairs Of this country be managed
by business men. Their demand, Iike
most demands of the people, was met.
NOW we are wondering whether we
are better Off or better satisfied under
une rule of realists than we were
uhder the rule of idealists.
!; X X x
business administrations have pro-
duced ar effect upon one of the learn
ed professions of America, that of the
law. The public has come to be in
dount as to what a lawyer really is
ana what the practice of the law
means. Not for long time have I
seen any popular statement touching o
the duties of a lawyer and extolling
iegal practice. Indeed. ! am not sure
that the thousands of young men who
yearly are sworn in as members Of
tne par are properly informed as to
What their oath really means. The
way In which many lawyers are con-
uuStihg themselves is calculated to
Ihuuce tnese young men to believe
that the oath is AIKEN with a mental
reservation.
One thing that ought TO be recalled
frequently to all lawyers and fixed in
tne mind of the American people is
that every man admitted to the Ia ,
is an officer of the court, upon whose
shoulders rest some of the RESPONSE
oiiities for the administration of
justice.
Most of the states have defined the
duties Of a lawyer. The definitions
are much the same throughout the
country. | quote the statute of the
state of Indiana. which defines the
duties of lawyer and relates what
his oath requires him to do:
one-To support the Constitution
and laws.
Two-To maintain the respect that
is due to the courts of justice and
judicial officers.
Three-To counsel or maintain such
actions. proceedings or defenses only
as appear to him legal and Just: but
this section shall not be construed to
prevent the defense of person
charged with crime. in any case
Four-To employ, for the purpose
or maintaining the causes confided to
him, such means only as are con-
sistent with truth, and never seek to
mislead the court or jury by any arti :
lice or false statement Of fact or law.
Five-To maintain inviolate the
confidence and. at every peril TO him :
self. to preserve the secrets of his
client.
Six-To abstain from all offensive
personality and to advance no fact
prejudicia1 to the honor or reputa-