New Mexico Judicial Education Center JEC Home
Court Staff Orientation
Understanding the Court System | Knowing the Rules | Doing the Job | Getting Help
Ethics for Clerks
Knowing the Rules: Ethics for Clerks: Prohibition Against Giving Legal Advice
You Accidentally Overhear...

Principles
1. Impartiality
2. Personal Integrity
3. Professionalism
4. Confidentiality
5. Impropriety
6. Appearance of Impropriety
7. Prohibition Against Giving Legal Advice
8. Duty of Service
9. Competency
10. Discrimination
11. Harassment
12. Technology

Resources
California Code of Ethics
Personnel Rules
What Information Can Court Staff Provide?

You chose:
1. Mind your own business.

That is not the best option. Giving legal advice is against the law. The practice is also known as practicing law without a license and it is punishable as a misdemeanor. You can try to stop the conversation as soon as you recognize what is going on, pull the clerk aside, and inform her that her actions are inappropriate and illegal. Or, step in and explain the defendant's options to her without suggesting what course to take.

Please pick another Principle.