Professional Ethics Revised Questions
& Answers for Undergraduate Law
and Justice Students
LJU4802 (Professional Ethics) focuses on legal ethics, professional
responsibility, legal practice regulation, the Legal Practice Act,
legal professionalism, ethical theories, access to justice, and duties
owed by legal practitioners to clients, courts, and society.
Question 1
The primary purpose of legal ethics is to:
A. Increase legal fees
B. Guide professional conduct and maintain public trust
C. Protect lawyers from regulation
D. Promote competition among attorneys
Correct Answer: B. Guide professional conduct and maintain
public trust
Rationale: Legal ethics establishes standards that promote
integrity, professionalism, and public confidence in the legal
system.
,Question 2
A legal practitioner owes a duty primarily to:
Correct Answer: The client, the court, and the administration
of justice
Rationale: Legal professionals must balance obligations to
clients with duties to the legal system.
Question 3
The Legal Practice Act primarily regulates:
Correct Answer: The legal profession and legal practitioners
Rationale: The Act establishes standards for admission,
conduct, and discipline.
Question 4
Professionalism in law requires:
Correct Answer: Integrity, competence, and ethical conduct
Rationale: Professionalism extends beyond legal knowledge to
include ethical behavior.
Question 5
A conflict of interest occurs when:
,A. A lawyer handles multiple cases
B. Personal interests interfere with professional duties
C. A lawyer works overtime
D. A lawyer changes firms
Correct Answer: B. Personal interests interfere with
professional duties
Rationale: Conflicts can compromise professional judgment
and client trust.
Question 6
Client confidentiality means:
Correct Answer: Information obtained from clients must
generally remain private
Rationale: Confidentiality promotes honest communication
between clients and lawyers.
Question 7
Attorney-client privilege exists to:
Correct Answer: Protect confidential communications between
lawyer and client
Rationale: Privilege encourages full disclosure by clients.
, Question 8
A legal practitioner should decline representation when:
Correct Answer: An unmanageable conflict of interest exists
Rationale: Ethical obligations require avoidance of conflicting
interests.
Question 9
The concept of "fit and proper" refers to:
Correct Answer: The character and suitability of a person to
practice law
Rationale: Admission to practice requires both competence
and integrity.
Question 10
Integrity is best described as:
Correct Answer: Adherence to ethical principles and honesty
Rationale: Integrity is fundamental to legal professionalism.
Question 11
The primary role of a lawyer in an adversarial system is to: