The author examines the continuing challenges for the legal profession in preserving
the autonomy and integrity of the law. In the words of Leonid Pitamic,
delivered at the opening lecture of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana,
he emphasises the crucial role of law in ensuring the continuity and
peaceful development of society in times of upheaval. Referring to the wisdom
of ancient jurists such as Pomponius, Celsus and Ulpian, the author stresses
that a good lawyer must have not only legal knowledge, but also ethical values
and civil courage. Lawyers must do justice by applying the law impartially and
consistently, guided by fundamental legal principles. The author draws attention
to various threats to the autonomy of the law, such as political and ideological
pressure, corruption and the influence of non-legal thinking, reflected
in the influence of political correctness, which can obscure legal language and
hinder impartial debate. Pressures on the rule of law do not only occur in
totalitarian systems; even in democratic societies there are subtle attempts to
influence the functioning of the legal system. The author believes that the rule
of law can be implemented by lawyers with a broad intellectual horizon and
strong ethical principles. They must believe in the power and the rule of law,
resist external pressures and prevent legal thinking from being driven by emotion,
ideology or prejudice.
Key words: autonomy of law, legal ethics, political influence, legal profession
challenges, justice and fairness, artificial intelligence in law.