BASIC LEGAL ETHICS

Group Work No. 1

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GROUP WORK:

1. Divide the class into 5 groups. Ensure that the number of members in the groups are evenly
distributed.

2. Watch Season 1 Episode 1 (From the Ashes of Tragedy) of the series, The People v. O.J. Simpson,
starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, John Travolta, David Schwimmer, etc.

3. Summarize the facts of the case (so far as shown in the episode), and identify the potential charge(s)
against O.J. Simpson.

4. Identify the lawyers of the prosecution.

5. What are the prosecution lawyers doing?

6. If your group were the prosecution, would you have done things differently? Why or why not?

7. Identify the lawyers of the defense?

8. What are the defense lawyers doing?

9. If your group were the defense, would you have done things differently? Why or why not?

10. Cite at least three acts or omissions by the lawyers (prosecution and/or defense) which are ethical.
Cite the pertinent rules/law as your bases.

11. Cite at least three acts or omissions by the lawyers (prosecution and/or defense) which are
unethical. Cite the particular canons/rules/law violated.

12. Can the lawyers’ actions or omissions in the story have an impact on society? Explain.

13. While the story is set in a foreign jurisdiction, base your answers on applicable Philippine laws, rules
and jurisprudence. Focus your answers more on the lawyer’s duties to society, although answers based
on other laws/canons/rules are also acceptable.

14. Submit your group work on 2 March 2020.