This is one of the best articles I have read in a long time, coming from a man who I have cited often but never met: Max Kennerly.
A short sample:
At these pre-trial events [hearings, pretrial conferences, etc.], the only thing stopping a lawyer from looking the judge in the eye and telling him or her an outright lie is that oath the lawyer made to the government years ago.
Unfortunately, some lawyers out there apparently do not take that oath seriously.
Read this article.