Report No. 75

20. Bacon's view.-

In the West, similar sentiments were expressed by Bacon in language which, while appearing slightly unfamiliar to us because of the passage of centuries, bears quotation. In fine Elizabethan language, Francis Bacon begins his preface to his Maxims of the Law1-

"I hold every man a debtor to his profession; from which, as men of course do seek to effective countenance and profit, so ought they of duty to endeavour themselves, by way of amends, to be a help and ornament thereunto. This is performed in some degree by the honest and liberal practice of a profession, when men shall carry a respect not to descend into any course that is corrupt and unworthy thereof, and preserve themselves free from the abuses wherewith the same profession is noted to be infected; but much more in this performed if a man be able to visit and strengthen the roots and foundation of the science itself; thereby not only gracing it in reputation and dignity but also amplifying it in perfection and substance."

1. Bacon Preface to Maxims of the law, quoted by Sir Owen Dixon Professional Conduct, (Inaugural Lecture to the Law Students of the University of Melbourne in 1953). The Jesting, Pilate, 129-134.

H.R. Khanna, Chairman.

S.N. Shankar, Member.

T.S. Krishnamoorthy Iyer, Member.

P.M. Bakshi, Member-Secretary.

New Delhi,

Dated: 30th October, 1978. Disciplinary Jurisdiction under the Advocates Act, 1961 75.13