Liar Liar

The movie deals with the actions of Mr. Fletcher, a practicing attorney, who
literally would do anything to further the cause of his client and his own ambition.
The movie essentially depicts the negative view of the public when they conjure an
image of a lawyer, one who is a liar, deceitful, greedy, and fraudulent professional
who makes a living from acquitting or convicting his/her client.
Fletchers clear violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility would
warrant him a severe punishment whether it be suspension or denial of his practice
of the legal profession. The movie first depicts his violation of the specific Rules 2.01
and 2.02 where such state that a lawyer shall not reject the cause of the
defenceless or the oppressed, except for valid reasons; furthermore even if he
refuses he shall still render legal advice to the person concerned. Fletcher instead of
rejecting a clients schedule for a meeting he uses an excuse as that of having a
virus to postpone said meeting. Clearly he is uninterested with the client or the
latters cause, and as such without any valid reason to do so violates the Code.
Another violation which was for me would warrant a severe punishment, that
shows how debased, corrupt and greedy Fletcher is, whether it be for money, fame,
or social status; Rule 10.01 summarily states that a lawyer shall not do any
falsehood to mislead or cause to mislead the court.
His action, which was to create a false statement of his client to gain an upper hand
and convince the court that his clients claim in the assets of the latters husband is
well deserved.
Fletcher has also violated Rule 15.05 and 15.07, the former rule requires that
a lawyer shall give a candid and honest opinion as well as neither can he overstate
or understate the prospect of the case, the latter rule requires the lawyer to impress
his client upon his compliance with the laws and principles of fairness. In the movie
however, Fletcher clearly gave an opinion which clearly overstates the merits and
prospects of the case to which his client was convinced that they would win the
case through fraudulent means. As such Fletcher also violated Canon 19 and Rule
19.02, imposes upon a lawyer to represent his client with zeal within the bounds of
law, and to rectify his clients fraud or failing upon such he shall terminate his
relationship with the client; Fletcher did only fail to uphold the said rules, he
encouraged the fraudulent acts of his client such as hiding the fact that there were
multiple indiscretions by the latter but was not reflected on any statement and the
statement itself was completely fabricated in furtherance of his clients cause.
Lastly, the movie shows what a lawyer ought not to be whether he be a liar or a
completely honest man who is too candid for his own good.