In which situation can an attorney disclose a client’s perjury in a criminal case?

In the context of California legal ethics, an attorney may be obligated to disclose a client's perjury if mandated by local law. This aligns with the ethical responsibility lawyers have to the legal system, ensuring that they do not facilitate or conceal wrongdoing, such as perjury. Local rules may establish clear guidelines regarding when an attorney must report perjury to uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

Disclosing a client's perjury solely because it impacts the judge's decision or because the attorney believes it will lead to a conviction does not align with the strict confidentiality obligations attorneys have towards their clients. Additionally, the situation where an attorney must not reveal the source of information regarding perjury does not satisfy the conditions required for disclosure according to ethical standards. Thus, recognizing local law as a governing factor provides a clear avenue for disclosure that adheres to professional responsibilities.