Who determines the legal standards for attorneys?

The correct answer revolves around the role of the Supreme Court of the licensing state in establishing the legal standards for attorneys. Each state has its own Supreme Court, which is responsible for regulating the practice of law within that state. This includes setting ethical guidelines, determining admission requirements for new attorneys, and enforcing professional conduct rules.

When it comes to legal standards, the Supreme Court can establish rules that govern the behavior of attorneys, as these rules can directly impact the administration of justice and uphold the integrity of the legal profession. These standards ensure that attorneys adhere to a code of conduct that is vital for maintaining public trust and the proper functioning of the legal system.

While the American Bar Association provides model rules and guidelines for ethical conduct, it does not have the authority to enforce them. Instead, the enforcement of these standards is left to the individual state bars and their respective Supreme Courts. Therefore, the Supreme Court's direct involvement in setting and enforcing legal standards for attorneys makes it the authoritative body in this context.