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Click here for printable
PDF of article as appeared in the
February 2011 issue of
EBA Summation

President's Message

Attorneys Can Be Ambassadors of Civility

By Krista B. Lockyear

The news lately has been full of controversy about our nation’s negative
political rhetoric. Many have questioned whether an elevated airing of hostility
can, will, or perhaps already has, precipitated violence. While an honest look
at the horrible incident in Arizona points to mental illness as a more realistic
cause of the shootings than political discourse, the incident brings to the
forefront the discussion of civility and whether our society should encourage
more respect in political argument.

Krista B. Lockyear        812-422-9444       kbl@rfpj.com

Politics, like the law, is an arena that typically encourages heated debate. Anyone who has attended a City Council, County Council, or County Commissioners meeting, or watched on local public access television lately, has surely witnessed a discussion that turned negative. Parties wishing to get their point across are often passionate and understandably concerned about the topic. However, there are many times when the individual trying to make his or her point transgresses into grandstanding, rather than understanding, the argument.

To make winning arguments in a debate, one must not only believe passionately about their own cause, but they should also understand the opposition. In our political and public arena, the opposition is usually someone’s friend or neighbor, a citizen that has likely been involved in something positive in our community. Yet too often, public commentary falls into

the habit ognoring the humanity of the other side.

Perhaps we can find a way to take this manner of conduct to the public and political arena. For starters, could we encourage a more equal approach to our news coverage, highlighting educational and informative news rather than the attention grabbing news? Could we encourage public
acknowledgement of the positive efforts of our politicians, regardless of whether we are for or against a particular project?

As lawyers, we have many traditions that bring attention to civility. The honor and deference shown to the Court, dressing in proper business attire for proceedings and learning and following our Code
of Professional Responsibility all serve as reminders that we treat one another with respect. It is probably easier to demand equal respect from a colleague than a stranger, however I believe that we have the ability to assist in elevating public discourse. I believe that the City of Evansville can earn the same accolades for civility and citizenship as the Evansville Bar Association. If you have the opportunity to make the point of civility, to set an example, please do, because as an attorney of the EBA you are well-trained in the practice.