TEACHING LEGAL ETHICS SERIOUSLY

A Reaction Paper
by: MICHAEL P. LOBRIN

In the article of Russel G. Pearce, “Teaching Ethics Seriously: Legal Ethics is

the Most Important Subject in Law School”, he cited the historical account as well as the
reasons why most lawyers and law schools do not take seriously the teaching of legal
ethics. Since 1950s, there were already a movement to inculcate legal ethics into the
curriculum of law schools, but it came short on its effort. The reasons he cited were: (1)
The Belief that the Profession and Education Will Ensure that Lawyers Act Ethically, (2)
The Mistaken Notion that Ethics and Science of Law do not Mix, and (3) The Belief that
Legal Ethics Cannot make Law Students More Ethical. These beliefs were the
presumptions of older and rigid practitioners of law.

The later part of the year 1990’s, liberal and ethical minded lawyers began to
conduct programs that will promote legal ethics to old and new practitioners of law.
They began to gave importance to the subject at hand. They even suggested that legal
ethics be taught in first year as well as in senior years.

The work of Pearce started the promotion of legal ethics into law school, but law
schools must be vigilant also in enforcing the subject. Legal ethics, as with other
subjects, is a guide to law students in navigating the study and practice of law. It will
gave them the backbone or framework as to the basis of the practice.

Furthermore, legal ethics is the scope and limitation of a lawyer. It will determine
the responsibilities as well as the restrictions of the extent of the power of a lawyer. If
lawyers know the consequences of his actions, it will prevent him from doing the wrong
things.

Therefore, I conclude that teaching legal ethics in law school is a must. Law
students must also take it seriously because it will be the future of his/her career.
Having a map to a desired destination is the best way to get there quickly and secured.