LEARNING TO ACT LIKE A LAW STUDENT: A RESPONSE TO THE MODEL CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAW STUDENTS

Abstract

This paper is a response to recent academic trends proposing Codes of Conduct for law students. I argue against the notion that such Code(s) treat law students ‘as if’ they were lawyers. In particular, any proposed Code of Conduct should never have extra‐territorial effect and govern actions in a law student's private life. Nor should there be a duty to report alleged instances of misconduct for fear of creating a climate of distrust and secrecy. These problems, as a whole, would defeat the development of professionalism or ethical behaviour among law students.