Attorney-Client Confidentiality
The concept of attorney-client confidentiality is the
relationship, to include communication, trust, and confidentiality, between and
attorney and his client. Its role to the criminal justice system is very
important, since it further protects an individual's rights. This allows an
attorney to effectively represent his client and bring about his defense.
Whenever an attorney represents their client with the
concept of confidentiality, they are building up trust between the two and
avoids any misrepresentation of the client. Of course, this allows the attorney
to represent his client to the best of their ability. Specially since if the
client begins hiding and distorting facts, then the defense may not have a
great outcome.
The confidentiality concept does not always work in favor
of the client. In fact, if a client intends to commit a future crime, then his
or her attorney is obligated to disclose any information to prevent future
harm. An attorney must be able to distinguish between a client's idle threats
and serious intentions.
A huge concern, amongst citizens and the criminal justice
community, is the fact that if a suspect was to disclose honest information
about crimes, then by under obligation the attorney is obligated to hold his
words and remain silent. This means that attorneys may as well be defending
criminals. Other cases may also appear that raise the question of whether or
not an attorney should reveal confidential information about his client to the
court.
The concerns continue to occur through out communities.
Both sides have more than enough evidence to support them. However, we will
embrace the attorney-client confidentiality as long as it it continues to
exist. The status of this concept is too important to be abolished.
References
Meyer, J. F., & Grant, D. R. (2003). The courts in our criminal justice system. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Meyer, J. F., & Grant, D. R. (2003). The courts in our criminal justice system. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.