I don't think you can make a lawyer honest by an act of…
“I don't think you can make a lawyer honest by an act of legislature. You've got to work on his conscience. And his lack of conscience is what makes him a lawyer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Legal integrity stems from personal morality, not merely from laws; a lawyer's ethical lapses arise from inner deficiency rather than external mandates.
In simple terms: Ethics over statutes
Conscience drives honesty
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- courtroom decisions
- law school ethics courses
- corporate compliance training
- political reform debates
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- ethical training programs for lawyers
- policy discussions on professional standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can legal systems encourage personal integrity?
- What role does moral education play in professional conduct?