Rule 31 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners

Rule 31 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC) 2023 is about Duty of lawyer to court and conduct in court. It is under Part IV (Relations with the court) of Chapter 1 (Conduct) of the Rules. It provides as follows:

(1) A lawyer shall always treat the court with respect, dignity and honour.

(2) Where the lawyer has a proper ground for complaint against a judicial officer, he shall make his complaint to the appropriate authorities.

(3) A lawyer who fails to comply with any undertaken given by him, either personally or on behalf of his client to a court is prima facie guilty of professional misconduct.

(4) Except where the opposing lawyer fails or refuses to attend and the Judge is advised of the circumstances, a lawyer shall not discuss a pending case with a judge trying the case, unless the opposing lawyer is present.

(5) Except as provided by a rule or order of court, a lawyer shall not deliver to the judge any letter, memorandum, brief or other written communication without concurrently delivering a copy to the opposing lawyer.