What is the attorney's duty regarding exculpatory evidence?

The attorney's duty regarding exculpatory evidence is to disclose it in a timely manner. This obligation arises from the ethical duty to ensure fairness in the legal process and comply with the rules of professional conduct. Exculpatory evidence is any information that could exonerate or benefit the defendant in a criminal case. Therefore, when an attorney possesses such evidence, it is imperative that they share it without undue delay, as withholding it could negatively impact the integrity of the defense and the trial process.

This duty is grounded in ensuring that the accused has a fair trial, which is a fundamental principle in the justice system. An attorney's role includes advocating effectively for their client while upholding the law and ethical standards. By disclosing exculpatory evidence, attorneys help prevent miscarriages of justice and contribute to the overall fairness of judicial proceedings.