Rule 12 prohibits which behavior?

• A. Dishonest or discreditable conduct
• B. Taking a holiday
• C. Representing both sides in a case
• D. Advertising services on social media

Answer: (A)

Rule 12 targets behaviours that undermine the integrity of the profession by prohibiting conduct that is dishonest or discreditable. This covers acts involving deceit, misrepresentation, fraud, or any behaviour that would reasonably bring the profession into disrepute or diminish public confidence in the legal system. Because the focus is on honesty and the profession’s reputation, this rule is engaged whenever a practitioner behaves dishonestly or in a way that could damage trust in barristers generally.

In contrast, the other behaviours fit under different areas of professional conduct. Taking a holiday is routine and not a matter of dishonesty or discreditable conduct. Representing both sides in a case raises conflicts of interest and is governed by conflict-of-interest rules rather than the dishonesty or discreditability standard. Advertising services on social media relates to advertising rules and professional marketing standards, not to dishonesty or discreditable conduct per se.