Code of Professional Responsibility

### What is the main purpose of the Code of Professional Responsibility? - [ ] To allow lawyers to charge any fee - [x] To maintain the integrity of the legal profession - [ ] To limit the education requirements for lawyers - [ ] To provide legal representation for free > **Explanation:** The primary purpose of the Code of Professional Responsibility is to maintain the integrity of the legal profession by ensuring adherence to ethical standards. ### Who enforces the Code of Professional Responsibility? - [ ] Each individual lawyer - [x] State disciplinary boards - [ ] Clients of lawyers - [ ] Federal courts > **Explanation:** The code is enforced by state disciplinary boards, which oversee the conduct of lawyers and ensure compliance with ethical standards. ### What kind of information are lawyers required to keep confidential under the Code? - [ ] Only financial information of the client - [ ] Public domain information - [x] All client information - [ ] Information that can be found on the internet > **Explanation:** Lawyers are required to keep all client information confidential, disclosing it only with the client's consent or as required by law. ### What can happen to a lawyer who violates the Code of Professional Responsibility? - [ ] Imprisonment without trial - [x] Disciplinary action, such as fines, suspension, or disbarment - [ ] Nothing - [ ] Promotion to a higher position > **Explanation:** Violations of the code can result in disciplinary actions such as fines, suspension, or disbarment from practicing law. ### Can attorneys represent clients with conflicting interests? - [ ] Yes, without any restrictions - [ ] No, under no circumstances - [x] Yes, if all parties give informed consent - [ ] Only if a court permits > **Explanation:** Attorneys can represent clients with conflicting interests only if all parties are fully informed and consent to the arrangement. ### What is meant by 'competent representation' in the context of the Code? - [ ] Having a friendly relationship with the client - [ ] Charging low fees - [ ] Being available to take calls at all times - [x] Having the appropriate knowledge, skill, and training in a relevant area of law > **Explanation:** Competent representation means that lawyers should have the appropriate knowledge, skill, and training required to effectively represent their clients. ### What is 'disbarment'? - [ ] Awarding a lawyer for exceptional service - [ ] Temporarily suspending a lawyer - [x] Removing a lawyer's license to practice law - [ ] Promoting a lawyer to a judge > **Explanation:** Disbarment is the process of removing a lawyer's license to practice law, generally due to unethical or illegal practices. ### According to the Code, who benefits from client-attorney privilege? - [ ] Only the attorney - [ ] Both the state and the attorney - [x] Both the client and the attorney - [ ] Only the client > **Explanation:** Client-attorney privilege benefits both the client and the attorney by keeping communications between them confidential. ### What are legal ethics? - [ ] Rules for the general public - [ ] Guidelines for selling property - [ ] Ethics only for judges - [x] Ethical rules and principles governing the behavior of lawyers and judges > **Explanation:** Legal ethics are the set of ethical rules and principles that govern the professional conduct of lawyers and judges. ### What entity developed the Code of Professional Responsibility? - [ ] Local bar associations - [ ] Individual states - [ ] Federal government - [x] American Bar Association > **Explanation:** The American Bar Association developed the Code of Professional Responsibility to guide ethical and professional conduct among lawyers.