The law is grounded in morality, a system and code which helps lawyers determine right and wrong; and yet it is fluid, capable of shifting. Legal ethics are considered in online CLE, as well as by the highest court in the land.

In his annual report, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a statement defending the ethics of the Supreme Court. He refuted criticism about Justice recusal, pointing out that in lower courts, in which rules and ethical codes issued by Congress are the standard, a judge who does not see himself fit to rule over a case can recuse, and the case goes to a different court. But the Supreme Court is above and outside of ethical codes imposed by Congress, and moreover, there is no one to replace a Justice. He thus affirmed his faith in his fellow Justices to recuse themselves when necessary.

He also noted the Supreme Court’s compliance with Judicial Conference stipulations, which apply to lower courts, and which technically the Supreme Court is above; namely, that Justices must limit and report gifts and outside income, which are used to sway opinion.

It can be tricky to balance ethical scales, which is why New York continuing legal education is so important. It is possible for one’s moral compass to occasionally bounce and lead one astray, but with online CLE it becomes easier to get an accurate reading on the right moral direction.