Number: RL30060
Title: McDade-Murtha Amendment: Ethical Standards for Justice Department Attorneys
Authors: Charles Doyle, American Law Division 
Abstract: The McDade-Murtha Amendment, 28 U.S.C. 530B, requires federal prosecutors to follow state and local federal court rules of professional responsibility in effect in the states where they conduct their activities. Proponents claim the change confirms the federal prosecutors must follow the same ethical rules as other lawyers and enhances the prospect of some protection against wayward federal prosecutors. Opponents charge that it implicitly undermines the Attorney General's authority to preempt state laws which conflict with federal law enforcement interests and that in doing so it jeopardizes the use of undercover techniques against terrorists, drug kingpins, and child predators.
Pages: 57
Date: Updated December 18, 2001