LEGAL OPINION - REVIEW OF THE RULES

A legal practitioner is at all times expected to maintain high standard of decorum. When he is in Court, the Rules of Professional Conduct expect him to maintain a level of Courtroom decorum. Though his client remunerates him for his services, nevertheless, he is an officer of the Court who assists in the administration of justice. He must carry out his duties with undiluted commitment and loyalty to his client and to the Court.

Rules 31(1) and (2) of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2007 provides that "a lawyer shall always treat the court with respect, dignity and honour. Where the lawyer has a proper ground for complaint against a judicial officer, he shall make his compliant to the appropriate authorities."

Also, Rules 35 RPC states that a lawyer appearing before a judicial tribunal shall accord due respect to it and shall treat the tribunal with courtesy and dignity.