BPTC Professional Ethics (BSB)

Question 1

Under the BSB Handbook, what is the 'cab rank rule' and to whom does it apply?

Accepted Answer

It requires self-employed barristers to accept instructions in their area of competence, subject to certain exceptions

Answer

It requires barristers to accept clients in order of arrival at chambers

Answer

It allows barristers to choose which clients to represent based on personal preference

Answer

It requires barristers to share cases equally within chambers

Question 2

What are the core duties of a barrister as set out in the BSB Handbook?

Accepted Answer

To observe their duty to the court in the administration of justice, which overrides any duty to the client

Answer

To maximise fees and win every case

Answer

To act in the best interests of the client above all else, including the court

Answer

To follow the instructions of the solicitor without question

Question 3

A barrister discovers that their client intends to give perjured evidence in court. What should the barrister do?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client against giving false evidence and, if the client insists, withdraw from the case

Answer

Allow the client to give the evidence and cross-examine accordingly

Answer

Report the client to the police immediately without telling the client

Answer

Continue representing the client and present the false evidence as truthful

Question 4

Under the BSB Handbook, what does the duty of confidentiality require of a barrister?

Accepted Answer

To keep confidential all information entrusted by the client, subject to limited exceptions such as legal requirement or prevention of crime

Answer

To keep all information confidential unless the client gives written consent to disclosure

Answer

To share all case information with other members of chambers

Answer

To disclose all information to the instructing solicitor

Question 5

What is a barrister's duty regarding conflicts of interest under the BSB Handbook?

Accepted Answer

A barrister must not act where there is a conflict of interest or a real risk of one, unless the clients give informed consent and it is appropriate to act

Answer

Conflicts of interest are acceptable if both clients consent

Answer

A barrister can never act for two parties in the same matter

Answer

Conflicts only arise in criminal cases

Question 6

A barrister is offered a case involving an area of law in which they have no experience. Under the BSB Handbook, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Decline the instructions, as barristers must only accept work they are competent to handle

Answer

Accept the case and learn as they go

Answer

Accept the case but charge a reduced fee

Answer

Accept the case and delegate the legal research to a pupil