Wasserstrom's Argument in "Lawyers As Essay

Total Length: 644 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

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Wasserstrom concentrates upon the relationship which is established between the lawyer and the client. He brings about two criticisms. The first one focuses on the relation between the lawyer and the other people in general, saying that "the lawyer-client relationship renders the lawyer at best systematically amoral and at worst more than occasionally immoral in his or her dealings with the rest of mankind."

The second one focuses on the relationship between the lawyer and the client. The author believes that this "relationship is morally objectionable because it is one in which the lawyer dominates and in which the lawyer typically and perhaps inevitable, treats the client in both an impersonal and a paternalistic fashion."

The whole morality issue is derived from the professional dimension, but in Wasserstrom's opinion, the case of the lawyer is different from other professions. The fact that the lawyers professional acts are directly connected to the respect of the law (the basis of which ought to be the respect for moral principles) renders the lawyer's figure more sensible to moral criticism.


The reasons for which the lawyer can be considered at best amoral, if not completely immoral is that his profession allows for immoral acts through legal practices. In addition, treating the client in a paternalistic manner implies depriving him of autonomy.

Wasserstrom highlights that this case is valid for lawyers exclusively. However, the arguments which he presents are not sufficient in order to demonstrate his thesis without the remains of a doubt. The paper ends with a statement according to which he is not sure about the merits of either the criticisms. Nevertheless he repeats that "the goal of the paper was to exhibit the relevant considerations and to stimulate additional reflection.".....

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"Wasserstrom's Argument In Lawyers As", 05 October 2010, Accessed.22 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/wasserstrom-argument-lawyers-8009