University of Michigan Law School - Quad Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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JOHN W. CHAMPLIN

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The nren engaged in educational work and the more prominent nienibers of the bench and the bar during the revolutionary period foresaw the coming change and felt that some more suitable provi- sion should be made for the teaching of the law as a science. As a result the schools of law to which We have referred were under- taken. These schools and those which soon followed them have had an experience of nearly one hundred yearsf During this time they have met with no little antagonism from every direction. It is only within the past fifteen years that the bench and the bar have been united in the idea that study in a -law school is any improvement upon colonial methods of instruction. Perhaps it is not, but certain it is that there is no such thing as scientific legal education in the law office of to-day. There is no disagreement in the legal profession on this subject. ' In Q JEROME C. KNOWLTON.

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IIQQZII Ethics - . K --Q. Q HE TERM implies that in the exercise of the I Nl' legal .profession-, moral duties are involved K ' Sxll'-F 1,-x lx 1 Q ' l i . . ' if: . - growing out of the situation and calling of a x 5 N Q tx' 5 A - . . ,Q 'S' :Libs M lawyer as an individual member of' society. 6 wx G K . , , In its broadest sense itembraces all of the actors in human tribunals where rights are determined .and justice administered. It in- cludes, therefore, the judge, the advocates and the suitors, and the ministerial officers of courts. Having especial reference to human conduct, it also includes, as incidentally connected with the eierciseu ofnprofessional or judi- cial duties, what may be termed the etiquette of the profession. l judicial ethics require of the judge in the administration of his high office, that he should be continually, under the influence and restraints of the moral flaw, thathhe should hold the scale of justice in equal poise, and weigh the merits of the cases between the suitors with impartial candor, so that neither passion, pre- judice or partiality shall' add a feather's weight to the judgment he' shall give. No greater misfortune can be imagined than an unjust judge. No' greater calamity can befall, a people than to have dis- honest and disreputable men sitting in the judgment seat. Not less reprehensible is the judge in showing favor or partiality to one of the-suitors over another, than the judge who has his favorites among the lawyers -who practice at the bar' of his court. It weakens the power of the court, detracts from its dignity and scandalizes the judiciary. A judge should have no favorites. It is not for him to aid the personal fortunes of any practitioner before him, or to pull down and destroy the influence of those who do not enjoy his grace and favor. While the judge should not A II