What is the ABA's position on the duty to expedite cases?

The American Bar Association (ABA) emphasizes that lawyers have a duty to expedite cases to ensure justice and promote the efficient judicial process. This duty is grounded in the principles of professionalism and ethical conduct as outlined in the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. By mandating that lawyers must not delay cases to harass adversaries, the ABA reinforces the expectation that attorneys should act in good faith and not engage in tactics that could undermine the integrity of the legal process.

This emphasis is in line with the overarching goal of the legal profession to maintain fairness and the orderly administration of justice. When a lawyer intentionally delays a case for the purpose of causing difficulty or distress to an opposing party, it not only harms the individual but also disrupts the judicial system as a whole. Thus, the imperative to avoid such behavior is a critical aspect of a lawyer's professional responsibilities as outlined by the ABA.

The other options do not align with this understanding of the duty to expedite cases, as they either underestimate the seriousness of unnecessary delays or misrepresent the ethical obligations of lawyers under the Model Rules.