Conduct
The personal traits required of a
lawyer are traditionally described
as being of “good fame and
character”. Indeed this is still
a relevant factor at the time of
admission.
While cheating gets all the
publicity in the context of
academic conduct, good
fame and character requires
more than a forbearance of
cheating. Rather it embodies a
set of positive standards – the
standards of behaviour that
underpin a profession centred
on representing clients and
advising on their problems.
Impartiality and civility are
hallmarks of a good lawyer.
The way we communicate is
often as important as what we
communicate.
Each time you register with the
LEC to study a subject, you agree
to be bound by the Code of
Conduct. This is available on the
LEC web-site and in Canvas. Make
sure you are familiar with it, and
can comply with it. When you log
on to Canvas for the first time you
agree to abide by the terms of
use. Make sure you read these –
especially as they pertain to civil
communications through Canvas,
and copyright protection for all
the material delivered through
Canvas.
Aspiring lawyers should be
especially aware of their
responsibilities relating to the
use of LEC content online. The
library, its resources and lecture
material provided by the LEC
are for private study by enrolled
students and should not be
reproduced anywhere else.
If students wish to make audio
copies of lectures, they must
seek the permission of the
lecturer and make a copy on the
understanding that it is for their
use only. If you have permission
to record, make sure that your
recording device is visible,
that you only record during the
lecture, and that you only record
the lecture.
Integrity in Study
To be part of the legal
profession, and part of a group
of law students, is a privilege.
Knowledge of the law can be an
invaluable tool in terms of access
to power and lifestyle. That
type of freedom, in our society,
carries responsibility. People
rely on lawyers, often when
the impact on their livelihood
is very high. If there is one
encompassing characteristic that
we aim for, it is professional and
personal integrity
.
We must be confident that
the work presented to us is
truly a student’s own work.
One situation that can lead to
complications is the outcome
of collaborative learning. We
encourage study groups but it
is imperative that you are able
to present and argue your own
views on issues and assignment
problems. In assignments and
examinations the work submitted
must be your own. This does
not mean that the ideas you
put forward will be of your own
invention – but they should
represent your considered
response, and should always
acknowledge when they rely
on the thoughts and the words
of others. Failure to do so will
constitute plagiarism.
Plagiarism and academic
dishonesty are discussed in the
Code of Conduct -please read
this carefully.
Proper conduct demands
integrity and an independence
of thought. This simply does not
occur if you are paying someone
else to think – or write – for you.
Developing your own voice from
the beginning of your study of law
will not only be in keeping with
the aims of the profession, it will
be satisfying and increase the
likelihood of your success.
We are here to help
Here at the LEC, we are always
happy to give advice on your
present and future studies and
career options. If for any reason
you encounter difficulties it
is important you let us know
sooner rather than later. Law is
a living study and practice. You
should see yourself as an active
participant in learning, that
is why we emphasise lifelong
learning.
Studying the law requires
adaptability, creativity and
motivation. Make the most of
your time with the LEC. Plan your
schedules, work consistently
through the semester, take
responsibility for your study and
performance, and be resilient.
We wish you well in your studies
and for the future.
Academic integrity and the LEC Code of Conduct
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