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Overview of "Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Legal Practice" by P. MacFarlane and Y. Ross

Title: "Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Legal Practice" Authors: Peter MacFarlane and Ysaiah Ross Publication Date: December 22, 2016 Edition: 1st Edition

Key Themes

  1. Ethical Principles in Legal Practice:

    • The book focuses on the nexus between ethical principles and legal practice in Australia. It provides clear and succinct explanations of the relevant principles, supported by short edited extracts from key cases and other source materials.

  2. Case Law and Legislative Sources:

    • The text combines commentary, case law, and legislative sources to demonstrate and explain ethical conduct in Australian legal practice. This comprehensive approach helps readers understand the practical application of ethical principles.

  3. Critical Thinking and Practical Application:

    • Each topic is introduced with a clear explanation of the relevant principles, and readers are challenged to think critically about important issues confronting lawyers in modern practice. This encourages readers to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

  4. Australian Jurisdictions:

    • The book covers all Australian jurisdictions, placing the rules of practice in the context of ethical professional behavior. This makes it an authoritative and reliable reference for both students and practitioners.

  5. Competence and Standard of Care:

    • There is a strong focus on the issue of competence and standard of care that a contemporary lawyer must adhere to in order to avoid liability in private practice. This includes discussions on confidentiality, privilege, conflict of interest, and duty of care to clients.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured approach to discussing various aspects of ethics and professional responsibility in legal practice. It covers general issues such as who should control the legal profession and the trade-offs involved, as well as specific issues like confidentiality and conflict of interest. The book also includes thoughtful comments and questions that challenge readers to consider the significance and implications of the materials discussed.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception provided in the sources, the book is described as authoritative and accessible. It is praised for its clear explanations and practical application of ethical principles, making it ideal for students and a reliable reference for practitioners. The inclusion of key extracts from practice rules, legislation, and case law further enhances its credibility.

Conclusion

"Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Legal Practice" by Peter MacFarlane and Ysaiah Ross is a comprehensive textbook that provides a detailed exploration of ethical principles and their application in Australian legal practice. It is designed to challenge readers to think critically about important issues and offers practical insights through the use of case law and legislative sources. The book's focus on competence and standard of care, as well as its coverage of all Australian jurisdictions, make it a valuable resource for both students and practitioners in the field.