“It is not enough that the doors of the temple of justice are open; it is essential that the ways of approach be kept clean.”–Justice David Josiah Brewer
Effective trial advocacy requires good faith and fundamental fairness. Justice in an adversarial setting. To be both ethical and effective:
1. Do not assert or controvert an issue unless there is a basis for doing so that is not frivolous.
2. Do not knowingly offer false evidence.
3. Do not allude to any matter that you do not reasonably believe is relevant or that will not be supported by admissible evidence.
4. Do not assert personal knowledge of facts in issue (unless testifying as a witness).
5. Do not state a personal opinion as to: the justness of a cause; the credibility of a witness; the culpability of a civil litigant; or the guilt or innocence of an accused.