PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN THE PRACTICE OF JUDGES, PROSECUTORS AND ADVOCATES IN RWANDA

Abstract

Judges, prosecutors as well as advocates serve many peoples in the various functions. The position they assume in society makes them answerable to a variety of stakeholders. They owe duties to normal citizens, to courts, opposing parties, and the wider community. Along with those external duties, they also owe a duty to themselves. These duties require them to follow certain ethical principles which incorporate common values of honesty, integrity and decency that all judges, prosecutors and advocates should possess. This article aims at analysing specific ethical principles and values required for a lawyer serving in capacity of judge, prosecutor or advocate. The author argue that compliance of the ethical principles would be greater to the legal profession by protecting its image and boosting public confidence in the legal system and in the rule of law.