A Kantian Moral Cosmopolitan Approach to Teaching Professional Legal Ethics

Abstract

This article argues that given the globalization of legal education and legal services, professional legal ethics should incorporate not only a cosmopolitan dimension but also sentiments such as compassion, respect, and sensitivity for human suffering. Inspired by the philosophy of Immanuel Kant and his theory of education, this article seeks to address some of the limitations of the professional codes of conduct for barristers and solicitors, in England and Wales, by applying a moral cosmopolitan approach to the teaching of professional legal ethics. This normative approach is underscored by a commitment to moral duties to persons irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion, or any other defining characteristic. These duties include promoting client autonomy and engaging in law reform. This article also argues that Clinical Legal Education programs are an appropriate methodology for teaching moral cosmopolitan ethics.

The Moral Compass of Law: Ensuring Ethical Standards Through Legal Education?

“…Progressive models of legal education that attempt to incorporate moral and ethical dimensions into the education of law students are often not reflected in the curricula of law schools. However, the discussion about necessary changes is growing (Valanciene, Valanciene 2022;Toussaint, 2023;Madhloom, 2022).…”