LAW1106 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING L T M/CL J C

4 1 0 0 4
Objectives:
To introduce the students the importance of legal profession, to trace its roots and to inculcate ethics to be followed
Course Outcome:
1. Understanding about the importance of legal profession, the ethical values that play an immense role and the legal
measures that deter misconduct
2. Ability to identify situations of professional dilemmas
3. Ability to take appropriate decisions when faced with any dilemma of professional ethics.
4. Practical knowledge regarding the interview and counselling of clients in a professional manner and ability to apply
the basic principles of professional accountancy
COs: 1,2,3,4
Modules Topics Hrs. CO
Lawyers in ancient India – Origin of Common law layering in India –
1 Barrister – Vakils – High court pleaders and Advocates 9 1,2
Origin of the legal education in India – Legal practitioners Act – Lawyers in
2 the National movement for independence – lawyers in the Constituent 5 1,2
Assembly – Successive Parliaments
Role Allocation for Legal Profession- Advocates Act, 1961 – Uniform Bar –
3 All India Bar – Lawyers role in accelerating and facilitating the social change 7 2,3
visualized by the Indian Constitution.
Right to legal aid –Legal Service Authorities Act Monopoly of
4 representation – Exclusion of lawyers – Self representation by litigants- 7 2,3
Privileged communication.
Professional Ethics- Bar against social work – under cutting: An unethical
practice – Brief – stealing – Lawyer not to advertise – not to use touting – fee
5 structure – black money – high fees – acceptance of brief. Accountability- 6 2,3
accountability to the client – self regulation – legal regulation – collusion with
the opposite party – legal profession and strike
Contempt of Court Act- contempt proceedings against lawyers
Selected major judgments of the Supreme Court:
1. P.J.Ratnam v. D.Kanikaram, AIR1964 SC 244.
2. N.B.Mirzan v. The disciplinary committee of Bar Council of Maharastra
6
and Another, AIR 1972 SC 46.
7 3,4
3. Bar Council Of Maharastra v. M.V.Dabholkar, etc., AIR 1976 SC 242.
4. V.C.Rangadurai v. D.Goplan and others, AIR 1979 SC 201.
5. In Re an Advocate, AIR 1989 SC 245.
Social Inclusiveness of the Legal Profession-
Class/caste/education/sex/composition of the Bar – professional opportunities
7
– Upward mobility – How far have underprivileged groups such as SC/ST
6 3,4
advanced in the profession – women lawyers – opportunities and handicaps
Professional Misconduct- Advocates Act – Function of the Bar councils –
8
Disciplinary committees – Tribunals – Appeals to the Supreme Court
4 3,4
Accountancy for Lawyers- Books of accounts that need to be maintained-
Cash Book, journal and ledger Elementary aspects of bookkeeping: Meaning,
9 object, journal, double entry system, closing of accounts -The cash and bulk 4 3,4
transaction- The Cash book- Journal proper especially with reference to
client’s accounts- Ledger, Trial balance and final accounts.
10 Contemporary issues 5 1,2,3,4
Total Lecture Hours 60
# Mode: Flipped Class Room, Case Discussions and Lectures
BOOKS
1. Subramanyam's Commentaries on The Advocates Act, 1961 with Bar Council of India Rules, Professional Ethics &
Allied Laws by Law Publishers (I) Pvt. Ltd. (4th Edition, 2013)
2. Dr.Kailash Rai, Legal Ethics-Accountancy for Lawyers and Bench and Bar Relations, Central Law
Publications,2015

Mode of Evaluation :
Theory : Assignments-Presentations-Group Discussions and FAT
Board of Studies : 12-08-2015
Academic council : 17-12-2015