What does Rule 3.3 prohibit lawyers from doing?

Rule 3.3 specifically addresses the obligation of lawyers to maintain honesty and integrity in their dealings with the court. It prohibits lawyers from knowingly making false statements to the court or from failing to disclose material facts that are essential to an issue in the case. This rule emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in legal practice, ensuring that the judiciary can rely on the information presented before it to make fair and informed decisions.

The reasoning behind this prohibition is to uphold the integrity of the legal system. A lawyer's ethical duties include not misleading the court or allowing it to be misled by withholding crucial facts. Compliance with this rule is essential for the fair administration of justice and maintaining public trust in the legal profession.