What obligation does a lawyer have regarding the alteration of evidence?

A lawyer has an ethical obligation to maintain the integrity of evidence and must not alter, destroy, or conceal documents or items that hold evidentiary value. This principle is fundamental to the administration of justice and helps ensure that all parties have access to a fair trial. Tampering with evidence undermines the legal process, potentially leading to wrongful convictions or the dismissal of valid claims.

Lawyers are duty-bound to preserve evidence and to act in a manner that upholds the spirit of the law, which includes honesty and integrity in dealings related to evidence. This commitment not only facilitates the truth-seeking function of the legal system but also maintains public confidence in the fairness of legal proceedings.

The other choices present actions that would contravene ethical standards for attorneys and could jeopardize their professional standing and the integrity of the justice system.