He said the particular incident highlighted the dangers of using digital platforms for actions that would usually end up being conducted in person. The particular 2020 Bar exams were held virtually due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
However it was noteworthy that there were other types of lawyers being disciplined for the “unacceptable” method by which they used technology, said the Chief Proper rights.
This included the case of a former attorney at a top firm who was struck from the roll for taking intrusive photos of his colleague in the office.
“To account for the infidelity incident by pointing to the way the particular examinations were performed therefore misses the real point, ” mentioned the Chief Justice.
“The simple fact is that as lawyers, we have been absolutely bound to carry out ourselves honourably and honestly, regardless of whether we are operating in a genuine or a virtual environment and regardless of whether anybody is looking over our shoulder. ”
The Chief Justice said this was because “lawyers are required, first and foremost, to become persons of integrity”.
“Admission to the Bar is about character first, and then about competence, ” this individual said, adding that these are necessary conditions regarding admission.
A GOOD HONOURABLE PROFESSION
Describing the lawful profession as an honourable one, the Chief Proper rights said being known as to the Bar supposed being accorded certain privileges, like the right to address the courtroom, that came with substantial responsibilities.
“Because of the gravity of such responsibilities, they are entrusted only to those who are found capable of discharging them properly and honourably, ” he mentioned.
“This insistence upon the honourability of the legal profession is not only critical to the administration of justice, it is also central in order to public confidence in the machinery of justice and, ultimately, to the legitimacy of our lawful system.
“If any of the institutions of the justice system are even perceived to become morally weak or even corrupt, that strikes directly at the heart associated with public respect for that rule of legislation. ”
Attorneys should strive to established the right example by modelling honourable behaviour so that faith within the moral standards from the profession can be managed, he said.
He added which the duty of honesty “applies not only when convenient, but also, and maybe especially, when it is undesirable and uncomfortable”.
“Honesty may also require you to make disclosure of your errors, instead of awaiting someone else to discover this or hoping that will no one will, ” he said.
Turning to gender equal rights in the profession, Chief Proper rights Menon also pointed out recent cases of female lawyers becoming abused or molested by male colleagues.
This included former entertainment lawyer Samuel Seow , who had been struck off the roll for physically and verbally abusing three female employees in 2018. Seow also faces criminal charges.
“Be very clear. There is no place with this. If we cannot deal with each other, regardless of sex, with respect and courtesy, then we cannot even begin to speak of acting honourably, ” said the Chief Justice.
This individual called for constant enhancement in honing three core attributes associated with honour – honesty, excellence and program – and declared that this required life-long reflection and effort.
“But it is work worth doing because in the final analysis, the real characteristic of a lawyer is the fact that commitment to honor, ” he stated.
“This is not only a prerequisite for your admission to the Bar, but it is a dedication that you make that must last throughout your job in the legal career. ”