Or. State. Bar. R. Regul. and Polic. 3.3

As amended through June 11, 2024

Rule 3.3 - CANDOR TOWARD THE TRIBUNAL

(a) A lawyer shall not knowingly:

(1) make a false statement of fact or law to a tribunal or fail to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the tribunal by the lawyer;

(2) fail to disclose to the tribunal legal authority in the controlling jurisdiction known to the lawyer to be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing counsel;

(3) offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false. If a lawyer, the lawyer's client, or a witness called by the lawyer, has offered material evidence and the lawyer comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, if permitted, disclosure to the tribunal. A lawyer may refuse to offer evidence, other than the testimony of a defendant in a criminal matter, that the lawyer reasonably believes is false;

(4) conceal or fail to disclose to a tribunal that which the lawyer is required by law to reveal; or

(5) engage in other illegal conduct or conduct contrary to these Rules.

(b) A lawyer who represents a client in an adjudicative proceeding and who knows that a person intends to engage, is engaging or has engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct related to the proceeding shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, if permitted, disclosure to the tribunal.

(c) The duties stated in paragraphs (a) and (b) continue to the conclusion of the proceeding, but in no event require disclosure of information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6.

(d) In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer shall inform the tribunal of all material facts known to the lawyer that will enable the tribunal to make an informed decision, whether or not the facts are adverse.

Or. State. Bar. R. Regul. and Polic. 3.3

Adopted 1/1/2005 Amended 12/1/2010: Paragraphs (a)(3) and (b) amended to substitute "if permitted" for "if necessary;" paragraph (c) amended to make it clear that remedial measures do not require disclosure of information protected by Rule 1.6.

Defined Terms (see Rule 1.0):

"Believes"

"Fraudulent"

"Knowingly"

"Known"

"Knows"

"Matter"

"Reasonable"

"Reasonably believes"

"Tribunal"

Comparison to Oregon Code

Paragraph (a)(1) is similar to DR 7-102(A)(5), but also requires correction of a previously made statement that turns out to be false.

Paragraph (a)(2) is the same as DR 7-106(B)(1).

Paragraph (a)(3) combines the prohibition in DR 7-102(A)(4) against presenting perjured testimony or false evidence with the remedial measures required in DR 7-102(B). The rule clarifies that only materially false evidence requires remedial action. While the rule allows a criminal defense lawyer to refuse to offer evidence the lawyer reasonably believes is false, it recognizes that the lawyer must allow a criminal defendant to testify.

Paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) are the same as DR 7-102(A)(3) and (8), respectively.

Paragraph (b) is similar to and consistent with the interpretations of DR 7-102(B)(1).

Paragraph (c) continues the duty of candor to the end of the proceeding, but, notwithstanding the language in paragraphs (a)(3) and (b), does not require disclosure of confidential client information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6.

Paragraph (d) has no equivalent in the Oregon Code.