Skip to main content
discipline 1 October 2026

One duty. Different jurisdictions.

Compare the provisions, then follow the decisions.

Choose codes

Choose one to four codes to compare side by side.

Conduct codes

Showing 3 of 16 conduct codes
Select fewer codes to compare provisions across jurisdictions.

Selected duty

Overriding duty to the court

The lawyer owes the court an overriding, paramount duty to uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, taking precedence over duties to the client when the two conflict.

England & Wales · Solicitors

SRA Principles & Code

Strong equivalent
Principle 1; SRA Principles Introduction
You act: 1.1 in a way that upholds the constitutional principle of the rule of law, and the proper administration of justice. ... Should the Principles come into conflict, those which safeguard the wider public interest (such as the rule of law ...) take precedence over an individual client's interests.

Open the archived code to verify the complete provision.

Recorded source: SRA Principles 2023

England & Wales · Barristers

BSB Handbook

Strong equivalent
CD1; rC3; rC4
CD1 You must observe your duty to the court in the administration of justice. rC3 You owe a duty to the court to act with independence in the interests of justice. This duty overrides any inconsistent obligations which you may have (other than obligations under the criminal law). rC4 Your duty to act in the best interests of each client is subject to your duty to the court.

Open the archived code to verify the complete provision.

Recorded source: BSB Handbook current

Australia · Solicitors

Solicitors' Conduct Rules

Strong equivalent
Rule 3.1
A solicitor's duty to the court and the administration of justice is paramount and prevails to the extent of inconsistency with any other duty.

Open the archived code to verify the complete provision.

Recorded source: Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 (June 2026 compilation)

Equivalence key
Strong equivalent

Substantially the same duty

Partial equivalent

Similar theme, with differences

No clear equivalent

No clear mapping in this code

Choose conduct codes