Which are core elements of the SRA's professional conduct framework?

• A. The SRA Principles require integrity, independence, fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with laws; the Code covers professional conduct
• B. Only integrity matters
• C. Privacy rules are primary
• D. The framework is optional

Answer: (A)

The SRA’s professional conduct framework rests on two parts: the high-level Principles and the Code of Conduct. The core elements come from the Principles, which require integrity, independence, fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with laws. These standards establish the baseline for how solicitors must behave toward clients, the courts, and the public. The Code then turns those principles into concrete rules and guidance for everyday practice, so the combination of Principles plus Code governs professional conduct. Therefore, the statement that those elements are core and that the Code covers professional conduct is correct. The other options reduce the framework in ways the SRA does not—the framework isn’t optional, privacy alone isn’t the primary focus, and integrity isn’t the only requirement.