In the mid-19th century Wood (1854) argued that the ethical issue of ______ led to the corruption and degradation of the legal profession,nevertheless the Supreme Court ruled the practice valid in 1877.

A) attorney-client privilege
B) the duty of zealous representation
C) solicitation
D) contingent fees

Wood (1854) argued that the practice of contingent fees, where lawyers are paid a percentage of the settlement or judgment, led to the corruption and degradation of the legal profession. Despite these concerns, the Supreme Court ruled the practice of contingent fees valid in 1877, recognizing it as a legitimate way to provide legal representation, especially for those who might not otherwise afford it.