Which PR principle requires a lawyer to be candid toward the tribunal and to correct misstatements of fact or law?

Which PR principle requires a lawyer to be candid toward the tribunal and to correct misstatements of fact or law?

• A. Candor
• B. Organization
• C. Impartiality
• D. Diligence

Answer: (D)

Candor toward the tribunal is the principle that requires a lawyer to be truthful with the court and to correct misstatements of fact or law. This duty ensures the judge or jury makes decisions based on an accurate understanding of the facts and the controlling law. It includes not knowingly presenting false evidence, and taking steps to remedy any incorrect statements that could mislead the tribunal, even if that correction harms the client’s position. The other principles don’t carry this explicit corrective duty. Organization is about presenting arguments in a clear, orderly way; impartiality focuses on fairness in how the matter is handled; and diligence concerns thorough preparation and zealous advocacy. None of these alone requires the explicit act of correcting misstatements of fact or law to the tribunal.

Candor toward the tribunal is the principle that requires a lawyer to be truthful with the court and to correct misstatements of fact or law. This duty ensures the judge or jury makes decisions based on an accurate understanding of the facts and the controlling law. It includes not knowingly presenting false evidence, and taking steps to remedy any incorrect statements that could mislead the tribunal, even if that correction harms the client’s position.

The other principles don’t carry this explicit corrective duty. Organization is about presenting arguments in a clear, orderly way; impartiality focuses on fairness in how the matter is handled; and diligence concerns thorough preparation and zealous advocacy. None of these alone requires the explicit act of correcting misstatements of fact or law to the tribunal.