ISBN Lookup

AI Overview

Overview of "Ethics in Law" by Ysaiah Ross

Title: Ethics in Law: Lawyers' Responsibility and Accountability in Australia Author: Ysaiah Ross Publication Date: 1998 (third edition in 2000)

Key Themes

  1. Accountability and Responsibility: The book is divided into four parts, with Part One focusing on the framework of accountability and responsibility in the legal profession. It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and the recognition that lawyers may sometimes act contrary to a client's best interests .

  2. Lawyer-Client Relationship: Part Three explores the ethical and professional duties of legal practitioners, including the duty to represent and continue acting for clients, maintaining client confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and conducting matters competently .

  3. Ethical Conduct: The book discusses how lawyers can operate ethically even when their actions might be perceived as immoral by society. It highlights the need for a uniform approach to ethics within the legal profession .

Plot Summary

The book "Ethics in Law" by Ysaiah Ross is a comprehensive treatise on legal ethics in Australia. It provides a detailed examination of the ethical responsibilities and accountability of lawyers. Here is a brief summary of its structure and content:

  • Part One: Accountability and Responsibility – The Framework: This section sets out the foundational principles of ethical conduct in the legal profession, including the recognition that lawyers may sometimes act against their clients' best interests .
  • Part Two: The Legal Profession and Society: This part explores the relationship between the legal profession and society, including how the profession is perceived and how it interacts with the broader community.
  • Part Three: The Lawyer-Client Relationship: This section delves into the specific duties and obligations of lawyers towards their clients, including representation, confidentiality, and conflict avoidance.
  • Part Four: The Future of Legal Ethics: This final part discusses potential future developments and challenges in legal ethics, aiming to provide a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of professional responsibility.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive and structured approach to legal ethics. Here are some key points from critical reception:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: The book is praised for its thorough coverage of legal ethics in Australia, providing a detailed framework for understanding the responsibilities of lawyers .
  • Practical Application: Critics note that while the book provides a broad overview of ethical duties, it does not delve deeply into case law or detailed analysis of specific duties, instead offering a practical guide for legal practitioners .
  • Relevance: The book remains relevant, with its third edition published in 2000 and a fourth edition likely to address contemporary issues in legal ethics .

Overall, "Ethics in Law" by Ysaiah Ross is a seminal work in Australian legal ethics, offering a structured and practical guide for understanding the ethical responsibilities of lawyers. Its comprehensive coverage and forward-thinking approach make it a valuable resource for legal professionals and scholars alike.