Which of the following must an attorney correct if they presented it falsely?

The correct choice, a false statement of material fact, is crucial in the context of professional responsibility for attorneys. Attorneys have an obligation to ensure that all statements made in the course of their representation are truthful and not misleading. A material fact is one that is pivotal or significant to a legal issue, meaning that it could affect the outcome of a case or influence a decision made by a judge or jury.

If an attorney presents a false statement of material fact, it undermines the integrity of the legal process and can have serious implications, such as misguiding the court or tainting the case's outcome. Thus, correcting false statements of material fact is essential to uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.

In contrast, a false statement of personal fact may not have the same significant impact on legal proceedings. Statements based on hearsay may not be admissible in court, thus affecting their relevance, and statements made in confidence typically relate to the attorney-client privilege and may not require correction unless they pertain to elements of fraud or misconduct. Therefore, the emphasis on material facts highlights their importance in maintaining honesty and integrity in legal representations.