Ethics Are Virtues That Can’t Be Taught: Senior Advocate Sunil Manohar Senior advocate Sunil Manohar emphasized that ethics are innate virtues that cannot be taught, warning that lying in court undermines a lawyer’s moral integrity. Speaking at a lecture on “Professional Ethics and Courtroom Etiquettes” organized by the Vinod Bobde Memorial High Court Bar Association Study Circle, Manohar argued that while courtroom etiquette can be learned, ethics are deeply rooted and must reside in a lawyer’s character. He used a philosophical thought experiment to illustrate his point: a button granting infinite power at the cost of a farmer’s life. “None of us would press it,” he said, framing ethics as an instinctive refusal to act unjustly. Manohar criticized the hypocrisy of legal practitioners who appear professional but lack compassion or fairness. He warned that moral decay follows a gradual spiral once a lawyer prioritizes petty gains over integrity. “The first slip is the way to hell,” he cautioned, stressing that losing one’s conscience risks irreversible consequences. Quoting Alexander Pope’s line, “little learning is a dangerous thing,” Manohar urged lawyers to expand their knowledge beyond law, delving into history, mathematics, and literature to sharpen their logical reasoning. He also highlighted that true courtroom etiquette is not about performance but about preserving one’s character. “A lawyer ensures their character remains clear by protecting their own conscience and constantly learning,” he said. Manohar emphasized that the foundation of law is sacred and must be upheld through ethical conduct. His remarks underscored the importance of integrity in legal practice, positioning ethics as a non-negotiable aspect of a lawyer’s identity.#sunil_manohar #nagpur_bench_bombay_high_court_auditorium #alexander_pope #courtroom_etiquette
