BPTC Professional Ethics

Question 1

Which document primarily regulates barrister conduct in England and Wales?

Accepted Answer

The BSB Handbook

Answer

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) Handbook sets out the Code of Conduct, rules, and guidance that all barristers in England and Wales must follow.

Question 2

Under the BSB Handbook, which Core Duty takes precedence over all others in case of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Duty to observe your duty to the court in the administration of justice

Answer

CD1 (not misleading the court) and the broader duty to the court take precedence over all other core duties, including those owed to the client, because justice itself depends on advocates' honesty.

Question 3

A barrister receives instructions that involve a conflict of interest. What must they do?

Accepted Answer

Decline the instructions or, with informed consent, manage the conflict according to the BSB rules

Answer

A barrister must not act where there is a real risk of a conflict of interest; if the conflict can be managed with full informed consent from all parties, they may proceed in limited circumstances.

Question 4

What does 'legal professional privilege' protect?

Accepted Answer

Confidential communications between a lawyer and client for the purpose of giving or receiving legal advice

Answer

Legal advice privilege protects confidential communications between lawyer and client made for the purpose of giving or receiving legal advice from disclosure.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a ground on which legal professional privilege can be lost?

Accepted Answer

The client dies

Answer

Death of the client does not automatically destroy legal professional privilege — the privilege belongs to the client's estate and can only be waived by the personal representatives.

BPTC Practice Test

BPTC Practice Test

BPTC Professional Ethics