An attorney who regularly appears before a judge running for reelection fails to report the judge's increasingly ill-tempered conduct to the appropriate authorities. Is the attorney subject to discipline?

An attorney who regularly appears before a judge running for reelection fails to report the judge's increasingly ill-tempered conduct to the appropriate authorities. Is the attorney subject to discipline?

• A. No, because the judge's conduct is not the attorney's business.
• B. No, because the judge's conduct is not proven.
• C. Yes, because reporting the judge's conduct could be problematic.
• D. Yes, because failing to inform authorities about the judge's conduct could lead to discipline.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that attorneys must help protect the integrity of the judiciary by reporting known misconduct that could affect the administration of justice. When a lawyer who regularly appears before a judge learns of the judge’s increasingly ill-tempered conduct, that knowledge creates an ethical obligation to report to the appropriate authorities. If the lawyer fails to report, they can be disciplined for not acting to address conduct that could undermine fair proceedings and the profession’s integrity. The other options downplay the lawyer’s responsibility or rely on issues (like whether the conduct is proven or whether reporting is “problematic”) that ethics rules treat as insufficient reasons to avoid reporting.

The main idea is that attorneys must help protect the integrity of the judiciary by reporting known misconduct that could affect the administration of justice. When a lawyer who regularly appears before a judge learns of the judge’s increasingly ill-tempered conduct, that knowledge creates an ethical obligation to report to the appropriate authorities. If the lawyer fails to report, they can be disciplined for not acting to address conduct that could undermine fair proceedings and the profession’s integrity. The other options downplay the lawyer’s responsibility or rely on issues (like whether the conduct is proven or whether reporting is “problematic”) that ethics rules treat as insufficient reasons to avoid reporting.