Faculty of Law
The Good Lawyer
Full course description
A lawyer fulfils an important task representing the interests of the client and upholding the rule of law, inside as well as outside of the courtroom. But whereas in the past the ‘ethical behaviour of the attorney’ was considered a given, it is now a topic of debate and often, for concern. In this course legal ethics will be approached from a critical point of view. Students will not only get acquainted with the role of the lawyer within the legal system but also with the theoretical foundation necessary for interpreting this role. In addition, we will look at the rules and regulations of the lawyer’s professional ethics and we will consider solutions for ‘real life’ ethical dilemmas.Course objectives
Apart from gaining knowledge of professional ethics, the goal of the course is to sharpen the students’ ability to render ethical judgements and to solve ethical problems. To this end the following learning outcomes are defined (and assessed): Knowledge and insight - rules and regulations of the lawyer’s professional ethics - the task and role of the attorney within the legal system Applying knowledge and insight, judgement and communication - being able to critically reflect on the role of the lawyer - being able to identify, analyse and assess ethical dilemmas - being able to distil ethical problems from a set of facts and apply the relevant rules of professional ethics to the case - being able to communicate (orally and in writing) the analysis of a case and present an appropriate solutionPrerequisites
NoneMET4063
Period 5
7 Apr 2025
6 Jun 2025
ECTS credits:
6.0Instruction language:
EnglishCoordinator:
Teaching methods:
Lecture(s), PBLAssessment methods:
Assignment, Final paperKeywords:
rule of law, legal ethics, lawyer, professional ethics,