Abstract
Discussions of whether Bush and Clinton administration lawyers have acted ethically have missed a fundamental point about the attorney-client relationship. It is the client—in this case, the government—who is ultimately responsible for making policy decisions, not the attorney. Too often, the question of what is “legal” has been substituted for what should actually be done, especially in the United States, where “legal” and “desirable” have become so intertwined. Governments should consult with attorneys, but should also be prepared to implement whatever policies they believe are “right,” and if necessary to explain any departures from what is “legal” to the pubic, to whom they are ultimately accountable.
Files
Metadata
- Subject
Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Legal Profession
- Journal title
Boston College International and Comparative Law Review
- Volume
32
- Issue
2
- Pagination
275
- Date submitted
6 September 2022