Final answer:
An attorney should only avoid appointment by a tribunal to represent a person if the representation will result in a violation of the law or the Rules of Professional Conduct. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Attorneys are expected to fulfill their professional duties with integrity and adherence to the law. According to the question, an attorney should not seek to avoid appointment by a tribunal to represent a person except for when the representation will result in a violation of the law or the Rules of Professional Conduct.
This is because ensuring that representation does not lead to legal or ethical breaches is paramount. Exemptions for personal inconvenience, financial reasons, or disagreement with the client's legal position are not considered acceptable reasons for an attorney to evade such responsibilities.
In landmark cases such as Glasser v. United States, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of adequate legal representation under the Assistance of Counsel Clause of the Sixth Amendment. Furthermore, Strickland v. Washington set the standard for relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel, requiring defendants to prove both an objectively unreasonable performance by their counsel and that this likely affected the outcome of the trial.
In cases like Padilla v. Kentucky, the court clarified attorneys' responsibilities in informing clients about specific legal outcomes, such as deportation risks. All these elements underscore the rigorous standards and ethical considerations to which attorneys are bound.
Additionally, the justice system aims to ensure that all individuals have the right to legal counsel, with public defenders provided to those who cannot afford private attorneys. This ensures that the right to legal representation is not solely for those with financial means, as it is a fundamental component of a fair trial.