Rule 3.8 outlines special responsibilities for which group of lawyers?

Rule 3.8 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct is specifically tailored to address the obligations and special responsibilities of prosecutors. This rule recognizes the unique role that prosecutors play in the criminal justice system, emphasizing their duty not only to seek convictions but also to ensure that justice is served.

Prosecutors must act with integrity and fairness, upholding their responsibility to disclose evidence that may prove the innocence of a defendant. Additionally, they are tasked with making reasonable efforts to prevent the conviction of anyone who they believe is innocent. This reflects a commitment to ethical standards that reinforce the presumption of innocence and the due process rights of defendants.

The focus on prosecutors under Rule 3.8 underscores the recognition of their power and the potential impact of their decisions on individuals' lives, thus justifying the heightened ethical expectations placed upon them in comparison to other categories of lawyers.