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An attorney who is participating or has participated in the investigation or litigation of a matter shall not make:

A) False statements of material fact or law to a tribunal.

B) Emotional appeals to the jury during the trial.

C) Informal, off-the-record statements to the opposing counsel.

D) Personal remarks attacking the character of the opposing party.

User Mattbdean
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Final answer:

Attorneys are prohibited from making false statements of material fact or law to a tribunal and from launching personal attacks against the character of the opposing party. Ethical conduct in law is essential for the integrity of the judicial process and compliance with legal standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

An attorney participating in the investigation or litigation of a matter must adhere to ethical guidelines that dictate their conduct in and out of the courtroom. The question asked pertains to what conduct is prohibited for an attorney. Among the options provided, an attorney is certainly prohibited from making false statements of material fact or law to a tribunal, and making personal remarks attacking the character of the opposing party. Emotional appeals during a trial are also often subject to ethical scrutiny, as they might be considered attempts to sway the jury beyond the factual evidence. Informal statements to opposing counsel, while potentially unwise, are not inherently unethical unless they involve conduct like lies or are made in bad faith.

The American legal system places a strong emphasis on the ethical conduct of lawyers. This includes ensuring that attorneys do not misrepresent facts or law to the court, which is essential to maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. Principles of fairness and respect also require that attorneys refrain from personal attacks on the character of anybody involved in the litigation.

User Rotman
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