“An act doesn’t make a person guilty unless the mind is guilty as well”, that is

what Roman Israel told to George Pierce right before Roman crossed the street and
got shot in cold blood. It is clear that Roman Israel sold information, which he
obtained form his client, and collected a hefty reward for it.

Under the Code of Professional Responsibility, Canon 21, Rule 21. 02, a
lawyer who acquired information from a client in the course of his representation or
employment, is prohibited from using such information, whether privileged or not,
to the disadvantage of his client, or to the lawyer’s own advantage, or that of a third
person. Except with the consent of the client with full knowledge of the
circumstances attendant thereto. Further, Sec. 20 (e), Rule 138 of the Rules of Court
provides that it is the duty of an attorney to maintain inviolate the confidence, and
at every peril to himself, to preserve the secrets of his client.

It is a settled rule that any violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility

and of the duties of an attorney or any act which constitutes gross misconduct in
such office or grossly immoral misconduct shall subject the erring attorney to
disciplinary sanctions or even disbarment from the practice of law as provided for
under Sec. 27, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court.

Does the act of Roman Israel of selling the information and collecting a
reward from it constitute Obstruction of Justice? Under B.P. 1829, any person who
knowingly or willfully obstructs, impedes, frustrates or delays the apprehension and
investigation and prosecution of criminal cases shall have committed Obstruction of
Justice. Roman Israel gave the information not with the intention of impeding or
frustration or delaying the prosecution of a crime, but he did it for monetary
reasons, for personal gain, as he said, “I am tired of doing the impossible for the
ungrateful.” In fact, he even made it expedient for the law enforcement officers to
find where Carter has been hiding and make the arrest.

“I promise you that the attorney that triumphs in this instance won’t be the
one with the most formal education or legal skill.” This is the last thing that Roman
said to Maya. I think what he meant with this is that, a person’s morality is far
beyond legal technicalities and disputations. It is the acting in accordance with our
moral compass, and it is the attorney that has his compass set in the right direction
triumphs in the everyday battle to the path of righteousness.