CLINCIAL COURSE-1
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING
SYSTEM
1. Mode of assessment: the scheme of evaluation for clinical course -1
Professional ethics and professional accounting system shall be as
under:
a. There shall be viva for 20 marks at the end of the semester. Viva shall
be conducted by the course teacher and the principal or senior
faculty member designated by the Principal.
b. Two written tests shall be conducted for 40 marks each.
c. The questions in the test papers should be spread over whole
syllabus.
d. 1 test shall be at the of 9 weeks of the semester and II test shall be by
the end of the semester.
Prescribed Books:
1. Iyer, k.v. Krishaswamy, Professional Conduct and Advocacy
(Oxford Universities Press 1945)
2. B.S. Raman, Financial Accounting “Elementary of Accountancy”
(Mangalore: United Publishers, 1998)
Referenced Books:
1. Menon, N.R. Madhava, clinical Legal Education, (Eastern
Book Co., 2008)
2. Dr. B. Malik, Art of Lawyer, (New Delhi; Universal book
agency, 1999)
3. Justice J D Kapoor on Contempt of Court Act, 1971
Introduction
Here are some examples of famous law quotes:
“The law is a reflection of society’s values.” – Ronald Dworkin
“The law should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.” –
Thomas Jefferson
“Justice delayed is justice denied.” – William E. Gladstone
“The law is a ass.” – Charles Dickens
“Make crime pay. Become a lawyer.” – Will Rogers
“The more laws, the less justice.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” – John Selden
“The first duty of society is justice.” – Alexander Hamilton
“Where there is no law, there is no freedom.” – John Locke
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin
Luther King Jr.
“The law is reason, free from passion.” – Aristotle
“Justice delayed is justice denied.” – William E. Gladstone
“Equal justice under law.” – U.S. Supreme Court motto
“
Law is the embodiment of the moral sentiment of the people.” –
William Blackstone
“The law will never make men free; it is men who have got to
make the law free.” – Henry David Thoreau
“The law is a profession of words.” – David Mellinkoff
“The law is reason itself.” – Benjamin Disraeli
“Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice.” –
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Where there is a will, there is a lawsuit.” – Addison Mizner
“The good of the people is the greatest law.” – Cicero
“A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the
better lawyer.” – Robert Frost
The Legal Profession And Its Responsibilities
Introduction to the Legal Profession
The legal profession encompasses a wide range of roles,
including lawyers, judges, and paralegals.
Legal professionals are essential in upholding justice
and ensuring the rule of law.
They serve clients in various fields such as criminal,
civil, corporate, and family law.
The Role of Lawyers
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters, providing advice and
advocating on their behalf.
They prepare legal documents, negotiate settlements, and may
appear in court.
Their responsibilities vary significantly depending on their area
of specialization.
Types of Law Practices
Legal professionals may work in private practice,
government, or as in-house counsel for corporations.
Different types of law include criminal law, corporate
law, family law, and intellectual property law.
Each area requires specific knowledge and skills to
effectively serve clients.
Ethical Responsibilities
Legal professionals are bound by a strict code of ethics that
governs their conduct.
They must prioritize client confidentiality and avoid conflicts of
interest.
Upholding integrity and honesty is crucial for maintaining public
trust in the legal system.
Duty to the Court
Lawyers have a responsibility to present truthful
information to the court.
They must not engage in any actions that would mislead
or obstruct justice.
Respect for the legal process is essential for ensuring
fair trials and justice for all.
Client Advocacy
Legal professionals must advocate vigorously for their clients'
interests within the bounds of the law.
They must communicate effectively and keep clients informed
about their legal matters.
Understanding client needs and goals is essential to providing
competent representation.
Continuing Legal Education
Legal professionals are required to engage in ongoing education
to maintain their licenses.
Staying updated on changing laws and legal practices is essential
for effective representation.
Continuing education helps lawyers enhance their skills and
knowledge throughout their careers.
The Importance of Diversity
A diverse legal profession enhances representation and
understanding of various communities.
Diversity fosters different perspectives, which can lead to better
problem-solving and innovation.
Law firms are increasingly recognizing the importance of
inclusion and equity in hiring practices.
Challenges Facing the Legal Profession
The legal profession faces challenges such as access to justice
and rising costs of legal services.
Technological advancements are changing how legal services are
delivered and consumed.
Legal professionals must adapt to these changes while
maintaining ethical standards and quality.
Conclusion
The legal profession plays a vital role in society, ensuring justice
and upholding the rule of law.
Legal professionals have significant responsibilities that require
skill, knowledge, and ethical integrity.
As society evolves, the legal profession must continue to adapt
and meet the needs of the public.
The Equipment of The Lawyer
Introduction to Lawyer Equipment
The equipment used by lawyers is essential for their daily tasks.
It encompasses both physical tools and digital resources.
Understanding this equipment can enhance a lawyer’s efficiency
and effectiveness.
Essential Office Supplies
Basic office supplies include pens, paper, and folders for
document handling.
Highlighters and sticky notes assist in organizing and annotating
important information.
A reliable printer and copier are crucial for producing necessary
legal documents.
Legal Research Tools
Legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis are vital
for case law research.
Online resources and law journals provide current
information and insights.
Subscription services can help lawyers stay updated on
legal precedents
Communication Equipment
A computer or laptop is essential for drafting documents and
emails.
Smartphones facilitate quick communication with clients and
colleagues.
Video conferencing tools are vital for remote consultations and
meetings.
Case Management Software
Case management software helps lawyers organize their
cases effectively.
These tools assist with scheduling, tracking deadlines,
and managing documents.
Features like billing and invoicing streamline the
financial aspects of practice.
Legal Document Templates
Pre-made templates save time in drafting common legal
documents.
They ensure consistency and compliance with legal
standards.
Customizable templates allow for quick adjustments to
cater to specific cases.
Security Equipment
Data security is paramount, hence encryption software is
essential.
Physical security measures like locked file cabinets protect
sensitive information.
Regular backups, both onsite and offsite, safeguard against data
loss.
Networking Tools
Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn help
build connections.
Business cards remain a traditional yet effective way to
network.
Attending legal seminars and conferences enhances
professional relationships.
Legal Reference Books
Reference books like legal encyclopedias provide in-
depth information.
Statutes and regulations books are crucial for
understanding local laws.
Practice guides can offer valuable insights and
procedural advice.
Conclusion
The right equipment is vital for a lawyer's success in
practice.
Investing in quality tools can lead to improved
productivity and outcomes.
Keeping abreast of technological advancements is
essential in today’s legal landscape.
Conduct In Court
Introduction to Court Conduct
Understanding proper conduct in court is
crucial for upholding the integrity of the
legal system.
Courtroom behavior affects the proceedings
and can influence the judge's and jury's
perception.
Familiarity with courtroom protocols helps
ensure a fair trial for all parties involved.
Attire and Appearance
Dressing appropriately is a sign of respect for the court
and the legal process.
Attire should be conservative and professional, avoiding
casual clothing and distracting accessories.
A well-groomed appearance reflects seriousness and can
impact the judge's and jury's impressions.
Behavior During Proceedings
Maintaining a respectful demeanor is essential when addressing
the court and its officials.
Parties should refrain from interrupting others, speaking out of
turn, or displaying emotional outbursts.
Listening attentively and waiting for designated times to speak
fosters a constructive courtroom environment
Communication with Court Officials
Clear and respectful communication with
judges, attorneys, and court staff is
paramount.
Using formal titles such as "Your Honor"
when addressing the judge demonstrates
proper decorum.
Avoiding slang or informal language helps
maintain professionalism in all court
interactions.
Consequences of Improper
Conduct
Disrespectful behavior can lead to sanctions,
including contempt of court charges or fines.
Disruptions may result in removal from the
courtroom, affecting one’s ability to present
their case.
Understanding the consequences
encourages adherence to courtroom rules
and promotes justice for everyone involved
