Quiz I - Legal and Judicial Ethics

1. What is the importance of legal ethics?

2. From what jurisdiction was the system of legal ethics in the Philippines derived?
3. A law was passed in Congress which empowered and mandated the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC) to regulate the practice of law in the Philippines. Was
the law valid?
4. Attorney Matanda is a 75 - year old lawyer from Pamplona, Cagayan. For the past
5 years, he has solely devoted his time to notarial practice (which includes, but not
limited to, preparing affidavits of loss, deeds of sales and special powers of attorney.
When he applied for the renewal of his notarial commission, the court asked for his
Mandatory Continuing Legal Certificate (MCLE). Atty. Matanda said that he is not
required to comply with MCLE because he is not engaged in the practice of law as he
does not represent clients in courts anymore. Is Atty. Matanda correct? Explain
5. Why is practice of law a profession and not a trade?
6. Why is an attorney considered an officer of the court?
7. May a partnership engage in the practice of law?
8. What are the main duties of a lawyer? Which of these is the most important to
you? Why?
9. What are the importance of right to counsel?
10. What is the Code that establishes the norms of conduct and ethical standards of
lawyers? When was this promulgated?