Law Confidentiality Issue & Spotlight on Ethics Discussion Questions

Prompt 1 Confidentiality Issue Watch the video Confidentiality Issue: Family Exemption at the link below. https://media.pearsoncmg.com/ph/chet/careersresources/goldman_civillit4e/goldman_civillit4e_c h2.html While having coffee with her mother, a paralegal discusses a case on which she is working. Discuss the following questions. Use ABA rules to justify. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_pr ofessional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/ What ethical rules, if any, has the paralegal violated by disclosing this information to her mother? What are the potential consequences for the paralegal that discloses this information? What are the potential consequences for the supervising attorney? Prompt 2 Spotlight On Ethics: Could You Defend a Killer? Criminal defense attorneys have a tough job. They often have to represent those accused of committing atrocious crimes, which requires them to meet with clients in maximum security prisons. They can face threats from unhappy clients who expect acquittal despite overwhelming evidence, scrutiny, and public criticism for representing “monsters.” However, criminal defense attorneys are ethically bound to zealously advocate for the interests of their clients, regardless of what the charge is or whether the client admits guilt. For this discussion, read the American Bar Association president’s message, “Defense of the unpopular: Lawyers should not suffer backlash for defending rights of unsympathetic clients.” After reading the article, discuss whether you could represent someone accused of a crime like a mass murder if asked to do so by a court. Why or why not?