A lawyer must correct false statements made to a tribunal if they become aware of them, reflecting the principle of what?

The principle at play here is rooted in the duty of candor toward the tribunal, which is essential for the integrity of the legal system. When a lawyer becomes aware of false statements that have been made to a tribunal, they have an ethical obligation to correct those inaccuracies. This duty promotes honesty and transparency in legal proceedings, ensuring that the tribunal has access to truthful information necessary for making sound decisions.

Candor toward the tribunal protects the justice system by preventing the use of deceit or misrepresentation, which can undermine public confidence in legal processes. A lawyer's adherence to this principle fosters a fair trial and upholds the rule of law, as it emphasizes the importance of truth in the administration of justice.

While the other choices relate to important aspects of legal practice, they do not specifically address the obligation to correct false statements made in a legal context. Fairness and impartiality pertain to different dimensions of legal representation and the conduct of the court, while advocacy focuses more on the representation of a client’s interests rather than the ethical obligations to the tribunal itself. Therefore, the correct answer aligns precisely with the ethical requirement of candor toward the tribunal.