The Lawyer’s Duties to the Courts

Abstract

My first initiation into the problem of teaching legal ethics came some thirty years ago when I, as the youngest cub on the Yale law faculty, inherited that course by reason of the default of candidates more suitable. I think a lesson can be drawn from this incident. On the faculty at that time were not only law teachers of experience but also active practitioners and distinguished judges; their leader was the then Dean Swan, now Judge Swan, my chief for many years both in teaching and on the beach. As to this course, however, they were having none of it. That from a group of such rich background none but the youngest could be drafted for the service is a commentary upon its difficulties and somewhat doubtful rewards. My own experience, as it occurred, did not suggest that there was error in the valuation. It is my judgment that members of the profession who are rather prone to criticize teachers for apparent lack of interest in this subject should know and appreciate the difficulties involved. Institutes such as this are therefore especially to be welcomed both for the actual teachings they disseminate and for the opportunity for a realistic appraisal by both lawyers and teachers of that which is needed for instruction in the field.