The Ethics and Conduct of Lawyers in England and Wales

Self-regulation and high ethical standards are supposed to be the defining characteristics of the legal profession, yet they are under attack from the state and the public. This book examines the ethics and conduct of the UK legal profession. It asks such questions as: is self-regulation crucial to the survival of the legal profession?; what fundamental philosophical principles govern ideas of professional conduct?; are the present codes regulating solicitors and barristers consistent with these principles?; and, looking forward, are they appropriate when the legal profession faces radical social, political and economic change? These issues should be of interest to everyone concerned with the dynamics of the justice system in England and Wales. Without an independent legal profession, is justice possible? Students, teachers and practitioners should find this book a comprehensive and interdisciplinary guide to and analysis of professional conduct and ethics.