23/05/2026
LEGAL EATHICS OF AN ADVOCATE TOWARD OPPONENTADVOCATE.
Some important ethical duties are:
1. Respect and Courtesy
An advocate should treat the opposing counsel with respect and avoid abusive, insulting, threatening, or humiliating language inside or outside the court.
2. Fair Dealing
The advocate must not adopt unfair tactics, conceal binding law intentionally, or mislead the court against the opponent counsel.
3. No Personal Attacks
Criticism should relate only to the legal case, not to the personal character, family, religion, or private life of the opposing advocate.
4. Professional Cooperation
Reasonable requests for adjournment, inspection of documents, or procedural cooperation should not be refused merely to harass the opposite side.
5. No Direct Communication With Represented Party
An advocate should ordinarily avoid negotiating directly with the opposite party when that party is represented by counsel, except through or with notice to that advocate.
6. Maintain Decorum in Court
Heated arguments should never result in shouting, intimidation, or creating disorder before the judge.
7. No False Allegations Against Opponent Counsel
Allegations of fraud, misconduct, or dishonesty against another advocate should not be made without strong material and proper forum.
8. Honor Undertakings and Commitments
If an advocate gives a professional undertaking to the opposite counsel, it should be honored faithfully.
9. Avoid Misuse of Influence
An advocate should not claim personal influence over judges, court staff, or authorities to pressure the opponent.
10. Promote Dignity of Bench and Bar
Advocates are officers of the court. Their conduct toward each other should strengthen public confidence in the legal profession and justice system.
The spirit behind these ethics is that the opponent advocate is not an enemy; both counsels assist the court in administration of justice while representing different interests.
