This Note argues that the existing copyright law framework, coupled with the erosion of the fair use defense as shaped by statutes and judicial interpretations, threatens to obfuscate the well-defined delineations of professional responsibility as set forth in the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility for attorneys and their clients and the Code of Conduct for United States Judges. First, this Note sets forth the basic legal framework of copyright law and the fair use defense, including both the relevant statutory background and quintessential Supreme Court precedent. Subsequently, this Note delves into the pervasive tradition of copying and appropriation that has been central to artistic practice across historical periods, highlighting notable instances in the realms of visual art, literature, and beyond. In the third section, this Note synthesizes the intersection of copyright law with contemporary art, offering an in-depth examination of three recent high-profile copyright infringement litigations, including the landmark 2023 Supreme Court ruling concerning Andy Warhol. Finally, this Note critically assesses the implications of evolving fair use jurisprudence on the ethical contours of legal practice, scrutinizing how these shifts threaten to blur the clear lines of professional responsibility as envisioned by governing legal ethics standards.<\/p>\n