Ethos and the Law
Ethos refers to credibility of a speaker. Examples of ethos: A commercial stating that 4 out of 5 dentists use a toothpaste brand. Aristotle established three modes of argument: ethos, appealing to ethics; logos, appealing to logic; and pathos, appealing to emotions. Lawyers utilize these appeals to convince audiences. Goodwill is a lawyer’s attitude towards the public, respecting intelligence and common sense. No shared values compensate for lack of legal expertise. Identifying with an attorney’s firm helps clients feel comfortable. Modern legal practice increasingly applies insights of Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian regarding emotional and ethical appeals.
Ethics and Law
What is the ethos of the law? The ethos of law is not the ethos of morality. The ethical authority of the judge does not necessarily arise from doing the right thing. There is never a conflict between the legal and the moral.
Analysis of Lawyers and Judges
The empirical material focuses on lawyers. Lawyers represent the core profession within the judicial system. The analysis deliberately focuses on lawyers alongside judges.
Covenant in Law’s Ethos
Use the term “covenant” for the structure of accountability law’s ethos must take. This "covenant" proceeds in two stages. First, a general willingness to submit to law’s governance. Second, an active engagement of citizens and officials.