Final answer:
Air Force attorneys are typically prohibited from entering into an attorney-client relationship in official military matters where there is a potential conflict of interest, but they may provide advice and representation in other areas such as criminal cases within the military justice system and civilian real estate transactions, following proper regulations and without conflicts of interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Air Force attorneys are generally allowed to provide legal assistance to military members in a wide range of legal matters. However, when it comes to entering into an attorney-client relationship, there are certain restrictions in place due to professional rules, regulations about military justice, and the potential for conflicts of interest.
Regarding the choices provided in the question:
- A) Criminal cases: Air Force attorneys may represent service members in criminal cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) but are restricted when it comes to representing them in civilian criminal courts unless it is to provide advice.
- B) Divorce proceedings: They can offer advice on divorce proceedings but typically do not represent service members in court for these matters.
- C) Official military matters: Air Force attorneys are prohibited from entering into an attorney-client relationship when the matters involve official military duties that could lead to a conflict of interest, such as an issue where the military member has adverse interests to the Air Force. This is by cases such as Glasser v. United States, which established that conflicts of interest violate the Assistance of Counsel Clause of the Sixth Amendment.
- D) Real estate transactions: Air Force attorneys are not prohibited from entering into an attorney-client relationship in real estate transactions unless there is a direct conflict of interest with military duties or policies.
For the reference provided, both state and federal courts indeed hear matters that involve both civil and criminal law (option c).