KSLU Professional Ethics Past Questions & Problems
This page contains a unit-wise compilation of questions asked in KSLU examinations for Professional Ethics, Accountancy for Lawyers and Bar-Bench Relations.
Unit I: Legal Profession and Advocates Act, 1961
- Advocates Act, 1961: Discuss the salient features, reasons, and objects of passing the Advocates Act, 1961.
- Importance of Legal Profession: Explain the importance, significance, and responsibilities of the legal profession in the administration of justice.
- Lamps of Advocacy: Explain the seven/eight lamps of advocacy and the equipments of a lawyer.
- Admission and Enrolment: Discuss the rules and provisions relating to the admission, qualification, disqualification, and enrolment of an advocate.
- Rights and Privileges: Explain the privileges, rights, and disabilities of an advocate. “Advocacy is not a craft but a calling.”
- Bar Council of India: Explain the composition, powers, functions, and appellate power of the Bar Council of India.
- State Bar Council: State the powers and functions of the State Bar Council.
- Employment Restrictions: Restrictions on the employability or other employment of an advocate under BCI rules.
Unit II: Duties of an Advocate
- Duty to the Court: Explain the duties of an advocate towards the Court.
- Duty to the Client: Discuss the duties of an advocate towards the client, including fiduciary relations.
- Duty to Opponent & Colleagues: Duties towards colleagues, the opponent, and the examination of witnesses.
- Duty to Public & State: Explain the duties of an advocate towards the Public and the State.
- Bar-Bench Relationship: General rules of conduct for a harmonious Bar-Bench relationship.
Unit III: Contempt of Court
- Civil & Criminal Contempt: Define ‘Contempt of Court’. Explain its categories and constitutional validity.
- Defences: Explain the defences available in relation to civil and criminal contempt.
- Liability of Judges: Circumstances under which judges and the State can be held liable for contempt.
- Punishment: Nature and extent of punishment for contempt.
- Landmark Judgments (KSLU Favorites):
- In Re Vinay Chandra Mishra
- Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India
- Ex-capt. Harish Uppal v. Union of India
- EMS Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiyar
Unit IV: Professional Misconduct
- Misconduct Cases: What is professional misconduct? Explain with the help of decided cases.
- Disciplinary Committee: Authorities empowered to punish for professional misconduct and the procedure followed.
- Punishments: Write a note on the punishments prescribed for professional misconduct.
Unit V: Accountancy for Lawyers
- Need & Importance: Why is accountancy important for lawyers?
- Essential Books: Explain the essential books of accounts like Journal, Ledger, and Cash Book.
- Journal Entries: Pass journal entries for given legal office transactions.
- Trial Balance & Balance Sheet: Basics of double-entry system and financial statements.
Solved Problems (KSLU Hypotheticals)
1. Alternative Employment
Scenario: Mr. X intends to work as an LIC agent or run a petrol bunk while practicing as an advocate. Answer: This is a violation of BCI Rule 47. An advocate cannot be a full-time salaried employee or engage in business. The State Bar Council can reject enrollment.
2. Strike by Bar Association
Scenario: Mr. X abstains from court due to a strike, leading to case dismissal. Answer: Based on Ex-capt. Harish Uppal v. Union of India, advocates have no right to go on strike. This amounts to professional misconduct.
3. Withholding Documents
Scenario: Mr. X refuses to return files to a client until “unpaid fees” are cleared. Answer: An advocate has no “lien” over litigation files. Withholding documents is professional misconduct.