Under what circumstances should a lawyer not unlawfully obstruct another party’s access to evidence?

A lawyer must adhere to ethical standards that promote honesty and integrity in the practice of law, which includes not unlawfully obstructing another party’s access to evidence. The obligation to refrain from obstruction applies broadly and universally, ensuring that all parties can fairly access evidence pertinent to their cases. This principle supports the fairness of the legal process, promotes transparency, and upholds the rule of law.

Obstructing access to evidence would undermine the integrity of the legal system and could lead to unjust outcomes, regardless of the nature of the evidence—whether it is deemed relevant or not—or the context, such as adversarial disputes. The duty to maintain ethical conduct is a fundamental aspect of a lawyer’s responsibilities and does not fluctuate based on convenience or the perceived importance of the evidence in question. Therefore, the requirement is that a lawyer should consistently avoid any unlawful obstructive actions, maintaining the integrity of their practice at all times.