What is required under Rule 8.4 regarding misconduct?

Rule 8.4 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct addresses various types of misconduct that lawyers must avoid to maintain the integrity of the profession. The rule explicitly prohibits conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. This means that lawyers are expected to uphold the legal system's integrity, ensuring that their actions do not undermine the public’s trust in legal processes or the administration of justice itself.

Conduct that falls under this provision might include dishonest behavior, actions that obstruct justice, or behaving in ways that disrupt court proceedings. By emphasizing the importance of maintaining the rule of law and the legal system, this rule plays a crucial role in ensuring that lawyers act ethically and responsibly in their professional duties.

The other options do not accurately reflect the requirements of Rule 8.4. For instance, suggesting that nothing is required as long as a client is not affected overlooks the broader responsibility that lawyers have towards the justice system. The implication that lawyers must report all misconduct by their peers is more accurately addressed under different rules concerning reporting obligations, which do not encompass every situation or apply universally. Lastly, the notion that lawyers alone define what constitutes misconduct contradicts the established ethical standards set forth in the Model Rules and the regulations established by governing bodies in the legal profession.