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Part III (Before January 1, 2001) - Canons of Ethics
(Before January 1, 2001)
CHAPTER 1 CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY PREAMBLE
In this State, where the stability of courts and of all departments of government rests upon the approval of the people, it is peculiarly essential that the system for establishing and dispensing justice be developed to a high point of efficiency and so maintained that the public shall have absolute confidence in the integrity and impartiality of its administration. The future of this State and of the Republic, of which it is a member, to a great extent, depends upon our maintenance of justice pure and unsullied. It cannot be so maintained unless the conduct and motives of the members of our profession are such as to merit approval of all just men.
No code or set of rules can be framed which will particularize all duties of the lawyers in varying phases of litigation or in all the relations of the professional life. The following canons of ethics are adopted by the State Bar of Georgia as a general guide, yet the enumeration of particular duties should not be construed as a denial of the existence of others equally imperative, though not specifically mentioned.
Rule 3-101. (CANON 1) A Lawyer Should Assist in Maintaining the Integrity and Competence of the Legal Profession.
Rule 3-102. (CANON 2) A Lawyer Should Assist the Legal Profession in Fulfilling Its Duty to Make Legal Counsel Available.
Rule 3-103. (CANON 3) A Lawyer Should Assist in Preventing the Unauthorized Practice of Law.
Rule 3-104. (CANON 4) A Lawyer Should Preserve the Confidences and Secrets of a Client.
Rule 3-105. (CANON 5) A Lawyer Should Exercise Independent Professional Judgment on Behalf of a Client
Rule 3-106. (CANON 6) A Lawyer Should Represent a Client Competently.
Rule 3-107. (CANON 7) A Lawyer Should Represent a Client Zealously Within the Bounds of the Law.
Rule 3-108. (CANON 8) A Lawyer Should Assist in Improving the Legal System.
Rule 3-109. (CANON 9) A Lawyer Should Avoid Even the Appearance of Professional Impropriety.