Response: Ethical Scenarios The following situations present ethical dilemmas faced by attorneys. Examine each case and decide whether the attorney acted ethically or unethically. EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER.

A. Susan, a criminal defense attorney, knows her client is guilty; nevertheless, she tries to convince a jury he is not guilty.

B. Ozzie, a domestic relations attorney handling a divorce, has sexual relations with his female client.

C. Marta, attorney for the family of a man killed in an auto accident, visits a bar and comes across a

juror in the case she is trying. She has a drink with a juror.

D. Mike is a real estate attorney who knows that most attorneys charge only $300.00 to handle the

legal work involved in buying a home. Since his wealthy client is new in town and does not know the

normal rate. Mike charges him $500.00

E. Marcus, a criminal defense attorney puts his client on the stand to testify to her innocence even

though Marcus knows she is lying.

F. Jose, a corporate lawyer, was asked by a wealthy client to recommend her son for admission to the state

bar. Jose says yes.

G. Rosa represents a man injured by a defective lawnmower. The manufacturer’s insurance company

offers a $100,000 settlement. She accepts the settlement without informing her client.

Code of Professional Responsibility
The Code of Professional Responsibility is a set of rules governing the conduct of lawyers. The Code consists of the following nine canons or principles, which are broken down into ethical considerations and disciplinary rules. Ethical considerations describe goals for the lawyer to keep in mind when facing moral dilemmas. Disciplinary rules are requirements of the profession. An attorney who violates a rule may be fined, suspended, disbarred.

Canon 1: A lawyer should assist in maintaining integrity and competence in the legal profession.
Canon 2: A lawyer should assist the legal profession in fulfilling its duty to make legal counsel available.
Canon 3: A lawyer should assist in preventing the unauthorized practice of law.
Canon 4: A lawyer should preserve the confidences and secrets of a client.
Canon 5: A lawyer should exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of a client.
Canon 6: A lawyer should represent a client completely.
Canon 7: A lawyer should represent a client zealously within the bounds of the law.
Canon 8: A lawyer should assist in improving the legal system.
Canon 9: A lawyer should avoid the appearance of professional impropriety.