What must an attorney do if they are aware that a witness intends to commit perjury in a civil case?

When an attorney becomes aware that a witness intends to commit perjury, their professional responsibility requires them to take appropriate steps to ensure that the integrity of the legal process is upheld. In this scenario, the attorney must refuse to call the witness, which also extends to not presenting testimony from their client if the client is complicit in the perjured testimony.

Refusing to call the witness aligns with the attorney's duty to the court and the legal system, which includes the obligation not to advocate for falsehoods or support deceptive practices. This duty to maintain honesty and integrity in legal proceedings is a central principle of professional responsibility, as attorneys are officers of the court.

By taking this course of action, the attorney acts in accordance with ethical guidelines that prioritize the pursuit of truth over winning a case at any cost. This aspect of the attorney's role is critical to maintaining public confidence in the judicial system. The attorney’s refusal to call the witness helps safeguard the integrity of the proceedings and upholds the professional standards expected in the legal profession.