Law. A system created to reflect and protect the interests of the people it serves. Without it, society cannot function. Naturally those who swear under oath to uphold the principles and ideals of the legal system must subscribe to a model which ensures that they do so. This model is the “fit and proper person” and it exists to maintain a standard of integrity and justice within the legal system. The following essay is an account of why a lawyer must always be a fit and proper person.
It is important firstly to understate term “fit and proper person”. It is a standard, an ideal however it is not a strictly defined concept. It is subjectively interpreted encompassing different principles evident within the legal system such as honesty, dignity and …show more content…
This can only be entrusted to people who are fit and proper. This is because the law must be just. There is no justice without honesty, integrity and dignity. A just system cannot function when run by unethical and dishonest people. Thus the concept of a fit and proper person helps ensure that those who go into the legal profession do so with the intention and the resolve to aid the legal system in serving the people and the country. Secondly fit and proper also includes a prospective lawyer's ability as a legal practitioner. One must go into the profession equipped with the necessary skills. The law is intricate and complex which means without the skills necessary to interpret and utilise it you cannot fulfil the role of a fit and proper person. A client relies on you to resolve their legal issues and to a larger extent society relies on you as a lawyer to be able to develop the law. Therefore two things are true. A lawyer must be a reflection of the principles and values of “fit and proper” and secondly must have the skills necessary to maintain the high standards of the legal