of any court; I will not wittingly nor willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor consent to the same; YSA Prayer : individual and communal Prayerful reflection on scripture (Lectio Divina) Opus Dei --the "work of God." The ordinary things of daily life, done carefully and lovingly, with attention and reverence, can be a way of prayer, a way to God. Inseparable from living and working Summary Lawyers duty to the court: 1. Respect and loyalty 2. Fairness, truth and candor 3. No attempt to influence courts
CANON 10 A Lawyer owes candor, fairness and good faith to the court. The burden cast on the judiciary would be intolerable if it could not take at face value what is asserted by counsel.
Rule 10.01 A lawyer shall not do any falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; nor shall he mislead or allow the court to be mislead by any artifice.
disciple of truth to correctly inform the court upon the law and the facts of the case aid in doing justice and arriving at correct conclusion courts are entitled to expect only complete honesty from lawyers appearing and pleading before them. While a lawyer has the solemn duty to defend his clients cause, his conduct must never be at the expense of the truth. (Young v. Batuegas, A.C. 5379, May 2003) NOT: in the defense of his client, distort the facts in disregard of the truth and the law by putting a witness on the stand whom he knows will give a false testimony. (People v. Manobo, 18 SCRA 30, 1996)
Rule 10.02 A lawyer shall not knowingly misquote or misrepresent the contents of the paper, the language or the argument of opposing counsel, or the text of a decision of authority, or knowingly cite as law a provision already rendered inoperative by repeal or amendment, or assert as a fact that which has not been approved. It would lead to the detriment of other courts, layers and the public who may be misled.
Rule 10.03 A lawyer shall observe the rules of procedure and shall not misuse them to defeat the ends of justice. The Rules on Procedure is intended to facilitate the delivery of justice to those whom it is due without unnecessary expense and waste of time for truly justice delayed is justice denied.
CANON 11 A lawyer shall observe and maintain the respect due to the courts and to judicial officers and should insist on similar conduct by others. Disrespect toward the court : undermine the confidence of the people in the honesty and integrity of the members of the court lower or degrade the administration of justice by the court.
All lawyers are expected to recognize the authority of the Supreme Court and obey its lawful processes and orders. Despite errors which one may impute on the orders of the Court, these must be respected, especially by the bar or the lawyers who are themselves the officers of the court (Yap-Paras v. Atty. Paras, A.C. 4947, June 7, 2007)
Rule 11.03 A lawyer shall abstain from scandalous, offensive, or menacing language or behavior before the courts. Respectful subordination Even those gifted with superior intellect, are enjoined to rein up their tempers (Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316, 1988)
Rule 11.04 A lawyer shall not attribute to a Judge motives not supported by the record or having no materiality to the case. Primary duty to assist the court in the administration of justice. The relation between counsel and judge should be based on mutual respect and on a deep appreciation by one of the duties to the other
cordial relationship and mutual cooperation for speedy and efficient justice (Cervantes v. Atty. Sabio, A.C. No. 7882)
Rule 11.05 A lawyer shall submit grievances against a judge to the proper authorities already. The public duties of the attorney take precedence over his private duties. His first duty is to the courts. Where duties to the courts conflict with his duties to his clients, the latter must yield to the former.
Criticisms of courts must not spill the walls of decency. There is a wide difference between fair criticism and abuse and slander of courts and judges. CANON 12 A lawyer shall exert every effort and consider it his duty to assist in the speedy and efficient administration of justice. CANON 13 A lawyer shall rely upon the merits of his cause and refrain from any impropriety which tends to influence, or gives the appearance of influencing the court.
Rule 13.01 A lawyer shall not extend extraordinary attention or hospitality to, nor seek opportunity for, cultivating familiarity with judges. The judge has the corresponding duty not to convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the judge. Discussing cases with the judge privately should be avoided.