Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Advocates face numerous obstacles in practicing their profession; therefore, it is vital to uphold the integrity of the advocate profession as an officium nobile (a noble profession) through compliance with the Indonesian Advocate Code of Ethics (KEAI), particularly Article 9 Letter a, which strictly prohibits actions that tarnish the honor, dignity, and image of the profession. However, in practice, ethical violations are still found within the jurisdiction of the Branch Board Office (DPC) of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI) Tasikmalaya. This is evident in the case of the abandonment of a waqf land dispute case after receiving an honorarium by an advocate initials M, as well as actions undermining collegial relationships committed by advocate AHK. This study aims to analyze in depth the mechanisms of code of ethics enforcement, the forms of moral and ethical accountability of advocates, and the legal consequences arising from violations of Article 9 Letter a of the Indonesian Advocate Code of Ethics (KEAI) within the Branch Board Office (DPC) of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI) Tasikmalaya. The research method used in this study is empirical juridical (field research) with a descriptive qualitative research specification. Primary data were obtained directly in the field through in-depth interview techniques with the administrators of the Branch Board Office (DPC) of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI) Tasikmalaya and the Honorary Board, while secondary data were collected through literature studies on relevant regulations and legal literature. The results show that the enforcement of the code of ethics is carried out through a series of mechanisms involving supervision, case examination, and the imposition of sanctions by the Honorary Board. This process prioritizes the principles of legal certainty, justice, professionalism, and good faith as mandated by Law Number 18 of 2003 concerning Advocates. The accountability of advocates in practicing their profession is not solely limited to formal legal aspects (legal obligation), but holistically encompasses moral and ethical dimensions (moral obligation). The legal consequences of such violations entail the imposition of both moral and administrative sanctions by the Honorary Board to provide a deterrent effect and restore the dignity of the profession. The conclusion of this study emphasizes that continuous preventive supervision from professional organizations and the strengthening of moral commitment from individual advocates are highly crucial to maintaining the nobility and dignity of the advocate institution in the future. Keywords : Advocate, DPC, PERADI, Tasikmalaya, Code of Ethics.
