A barrister may use forensic judgment contrary to the client's wishes if necessary.

• A. False
• B. True only with court approval
• C. True only if the client consents
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Barristers must exercise independent professional judgment and are officers of the court, with duties to the administration of justice, not simply to follow the client’s instructions. Because of that independence, they may, when necessary, override a client’s wishes to ensure the case is conducted in a lawful, proper, and fair way. This includes declining to advance arguments or evidence that would be improper, false, or misleading, or taking a course that better serves justice even if it conflicts with the client’s wishes. Importantly, this autonomy does not require court approval or client consent—the professional obligation to the court governs the conduct. So the statement is true because a barrister can exercise forensic judgment contrary to the client’s wishes when necessary to uphold justice.