Therefore, it is not as a slight to the Attorneys, or
to indicate inferiority, or to keep them at humble

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THE CIRCUIT. 291

distance, that the rules of Circuit intercourse be-
tween the two branches of the Profession were
framed, but solely to prevent irregular methods of
procuring briefs, which would often be as incon-
venient to the Attorneys themselves as to the
character and internal harmony of the Bar; for
it is most desirable that the widest and most
unbiassed choice of his Advocate should be exer-
cised by the Attorney, and it is a duty to his chent
that he shall so choose, — a duty which he might be
tempted to overlook, if he were to be exposed to
unrestrained solicitations, or claims difficult to
resist. Hence the necessity for some regulations,
and that is their sole object.
But, as remarked before, these regulations are
not uniform on aU the Circuits, nor do the autho-
rities anywhere agree as to their limits. It is,
therefore, difficult to define them, and we can only
hope to do so by thus recalling their principles and
purpose.
The first principle may, perhaps, be thus stated.
The regulations are strictly professional, and relate
only to professional intercourse^ — and no rule can
be valid which pretends to reach beyond this, — or
to determine the social intercourse of the Barrister
and the Attorney, as individuals. It is only while
playing the part of counsel that custom could pre-
scribe any rules of conduct towards Attorneys.
The moment the professional character is put off,
the law ceases to be imperative.
But when is the professional character put on
and put off ? Is it with the professional costume,

u2

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292 THE ADVOCATE.
