During which circumstances can a lawyer refuse to offer evidence?

A lawyer may refuse to offer evidence when they reasonably believe that the evidence is false. This principle is rooted in the responsibilities attorneys have to the court and to uphold the integrity of the legal process. If a lawyer knows or has a reasonable belief that a piece of evidence is untrue, presenting it would not only mislead the court but could also violate ethical obligations under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.

The duty to avoid offering false evidence is tied to Rule 3.3, which emphasizes that a lawyer must not knowingly offer evidence that they know to be false. This rule is crucial in maintaining the honesty and integrity of legal proceedings, and it serves to protect the justice system from being undermined by falsehoods.

While other options may contain elements that could lead to a lawful refusal to produce evidence, they do not directly relate to the professional responsibility associated with knowingly presenting false information. The belief that evidence is irrelevant does not necessarily justify withholding it; lawyers often must present relevant evidence regardless of personal opinions about its impact. Personal beliefs conflicting with evidence may create ethical dilemmas, but they do not provide a lawful basis for refusal. Finally, detrimental evidence to a client’s case does not alone constitute grounds for refusing to offer it unless it also