Aims

The aim of this course is to give a broad picture of deontology and to inform students about professional legal practice. Deontology of the bar is studied. The course has, nevertheless, a broader objective, both theoretical and practical, since it addresses the deontology applicable to several legal professions.

Main themes

First part: deontology and professional ethics. General characteristics. The following topics are addressed: the relationship between deontology and ethics, procedural law and disciplinary law. Additionally several other key issues are studied, for example, deontology and the right of professional bodies to issue rules, professional loyalty, conflicts of values, professional secrecy, independence, relationships with the press, etc.

Second part: the deontology of specific professions:
1. deontology of the bar;
2. deontology of other legal professions: the judiciary, bailiffs, notaries, in-house company legal counsel, officials in public authorities.

Content and teaching methods

After an introduction to the relationship between deontology and ethics, procedural law and disciplinary law, the course then addresses the deontology of the bar and then one of the other legal professions (the judiciary, notaries, corporate lawyers, or bailiffs). The course is taught by means of lectures based on up-to-date documentation.