Legal Definitions - Model Code of Professional Responsibility

The Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a set of ethical guidelines for lawyers. It is organized in the form of canons, disciplinary rules, and ethical considerations. The American Bar Association (ABA) published this code in 1969. However, it has been replaced in most states by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct.

• Canon 1: A lawyer should assist in maintaining the integrity and competence of the legal profession.
• Disciplinary Rule 1-102: A lawyer shall not engage in illegal conduct involving moral turpitude.
• Ethical Consideration 1-1: A lawyer should maintain high standards of professional conduct and should encourage fellow lawyers to do the same.

These examples illustrate the different types of guidelines included in the Model Code of Professional Responsibility. Canons are general principles that lawyers should follow, while disciplinary rules are specific rules that lawyers must not break. Ethical considerations provide guidance on how lawyers should behave in certain situations.