If a client authorizes informing the court of misconduct, what must the barrister do?

• A. Inform the court promptly.
• B. Wait until after judgment.
• C. Inform the client only.
• D. Do nothing.

Answer: (B)

The situation tests how a barrister handles client instructions to disclose misconduct while balancing the court’s need for a fair trial with professional duties. Even when a client says to inform the court about misconduct, the proper approach is to refrain from making disclosures during the proceedings if doing so would disrupt or prejudice the trial. Waiting until after judgment allows the matter to be raised in a controlled way through the appropriate channels, without undermining the trial or the client’s right to a fair hearing. The bar’s duty to the court and to proper process means urgent or premature disclosures are generally avoided unless there’s a clear, immediate legal obligation or risk, so raising the issue post-judgment aligns with maintaining trial integrity while still addressing misconduct through the proper mechanisms.