Ethics and Professionalism

The Ethics & Professionalism course is a three (3) credit course which will (1) provide you the opportunity to explore a wide variety of legal ethical issues through review of the rules of professional responsibility; and (2) provide you with advanced instruction in the history, goals, structure, values, rules and responsibilities of the legal profession and its members. The course will encompass a review of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In addition, you will explore a wide variety of legal ethics, with a focus on recent advisory and court opinions concerning ethical dilemmas. We will also explore a spectrum of philosophical, theological, pragmatic and utilitarian theories in an attempt to uncover the foundation that might be claimed to underpin the rules. Consideration will be given to the application of the rules of professional responsibility to real ethical conflicts with critical examination of the possibilities of the moral values reflected in the law. The course will also allow you to gain a clear understanding of the profession of law, and your role as part of this profession. You will have opportunity to reflect on the importance of professionalism attributes which will in turn provide you with a professional sense of balance, judgment and collegiality. Course materials will examine the extraordinary challenges and opportunities that come with a life in the law and discuss ways in which professionalism contributes to the satisfaction that lawyers find in their calling. In addition, to class readings, discussions, presentations, and guest speakers, students will submit three analytical papers reflecting substantial legal research, original thought, and correct citation form on issues related to ethics and/or professionalism in the law. GRADING NOTICE: This class does not offer the CR/NC/H option. NOTE: This class will fulfill the Professional Responsibility requirement.