In December the New York Inn of Court put on a musical about Civility.
Below see their program description and read the materials available from their website.
"On December 12, 2012 the Musical Team will be presenting "A Civility Seder," an entertaining and informative examination of appropriate conduct in the profession. The Musical Team recognizes that December is not a typical time for a Seder; however, this timeless tale of a band of lawyers' exodus from the bondage of bad behavior into the Land of Civility is appropriate any time of the year. You don't have to be courteous to attend."
Suggest articles for your colleagues in the comments.
Find Me Guilty
The Verdict
Liar LiarMartha Neil. 'Disrespectful Lawyer Held in Contempt After Calling Judge's Bond Ruling 'Ridiculous' ABA Journal (Feb. 20, 2013).
Civility is important in all phases of the litigation process. Does the argumentative attorney in the first example cross the line? Or he is simply being a zealous advocate? Is there a better way the two attorneys in this situation could have handled their differences?
Blogging and Tweeting Without Getting Sued by 
Professional Responsibility in Litigation by 
Cardinal Rules of Advocacy by 
Why Lawyers Behave as They Do by 
The Importance of Being Honest by 
Lawyers Crossing Lines by 
Ethics and the Legal Profession by Courtrooms are naturally adversarial environments. Why is maintaining civility in the courtroom important? How might uncivil conduct affect your clients?
Jesse G. Reyes, The Role of the Judiciary in Fostering Professionalism & Civility, The Bencher (Nov./Dec. 2011.)
Tanya Ballard Brown, Dear Lawyers: Order In The &*%# Court! NPR (Jan 31, 2013)
Gerald W. Hardcastle, Civility in the Courtroom: A Judge's Perspective Nevada Lawyer (Dec. 2009).
Are sanctions appropriate for attorneys who, though technically following the rules of professional conduct, behave uncivily or rudely in the courtroom? Take our poll and leave your comments below.
