ABSTRACT
To most rural Chinese Malaysians, the lawyer is viewed as an alien being, preferably to be avoided and not to be befriended. Proximity to a lawyer, especially in a professional context, arouses village suspicion that there is some kind of trouble. Usually, there is no need for calling on a lawyer's assistance due to the fact that, in private matters, most rural ·Chinese Malaysians adhere to family principles whereby the family rules operate effectively as strong social sanctions in the resolution of disputes. In the event that the family elders cannot resolve them, the local community leaders may be approached. As such, self-help in disputing behaviour seems to be the social norm.
