Under what circumstances can a lawyer communicate with judges or jurors without the presence of the opposing party?

The correct answer highlights that a lawyer may communicate with judges or jurors in situations strictly defined by law, particularly for housekeeping matters or emergencies. This exception allows for communication that does not pertain to the merits of the case and ensures the integrity of the judicial process is maintained.

Housekeeping matters can include scheduling issues or administrative aspects of the case that require the court's attention but do not involve substantive discussions about the case itself. This ensures that all parties are protected from potential bias or undue influence, as discussions unrelated to the case's merits are less likely to affect the outcome of judicial proceedings.

Other circumstances, such as discussing case details, arranging future court dates, or seeking personal favors, are usually prohibited because they could compromise the fairness of the trial. These types of communications could lead to perceptions of impropriety or unfair advantage, which the ethical guidelines for lawyers seek to avoid in order to maintain public confidence in the legal system.