Texas House Bill HB1909

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the oath of a person admitted to practice law in the State of Texas.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1909 is designed to instill a higher standard of conduct for legal practitioners in Texas. By explicitly including integrity and civility in the oath-taking process, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical and respectful interactions within the legal community. This could lead to a shift in the culture of legal practice in Texas, fostering an environment where professional decorum is prioritized alongside legal obligations.

Summary

House Bill 1909 addresses the requirements for the oath a person must take to practice law in the State of Texas. The bill outlines specific principles that an attorney must uphold, including support for the constitutions of the United States and Texas, as well as the expectation of conducting oneself with integrity and civility. The proposed changes aim to enhance the standards of professionalism in the legal field by formalizing expectations of behavior towards the court and parties involved in legal proceedings.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, it may encounter debate regarding what constitutes 'integrity' and 'civility' in practice. Concerns may arise about how these terms will be enforced and interpreted within the legal profession. Additionally, some legal experts may argue that the existing measures are sufficient and that the amendments could introduce unnecessary challenges in defining and overseeing attorneys' conduct based on these new requirements.