Law students attend pledge ceremony

The students, who are studying towards the University of the Free State’s law degree, were challenged to emulate great lawyers in South African history, especially those who had been at the forefront of the liberation struggle and were instrumental in ushering the current democratic dispensation in.

Fiona Kaplan, the law head of school said, “In light of the current ethical crisis facing South African society, a pledge ceremony highlights and entrenches the impeccable code of ethics expected of lawyers.” She explained that the first-year law students pledged allegiance to the values set out in the South African Constitution and undertook to uphold the dignity, traditions and culture of the legal profession.

“They also pledged to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in their law studies,” she added.

The keynote speaker was the honourable Deputy Judge President of the South Gauteng High Court, Phineas Mojapelo. Judge Mojapelo emphasised the significance of ethics in the teaching and practice of law. He also drew attention to the role of law in bringing about social change and reform in South Africa.

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