Under Rules 80-81, when may a barrister advise the police or other authorities?

• A. Only after a court hearing
• B. Never, to avoid conflicts
• C. If reasonably believe there is a genuine risk to any person's safety
• D. Only with the client's explicit consent

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that confidentiality has a permissive exception: a barrister may advise the police or other authorities when there is a genuine risk to someone’s safety and the barrister reasonably believes that risk exists. This rule supports preventing harm by allowing targeted, necessary disclosure or guidance to authorities, without turning confidentiality into an absolute shield. The requirement of a reasonable belief in a genuine safety risk sets a practical, objective threshold rather than relying on client consent or court processes. The other options aren’t correct because disclosure isn’t contingent on a court hearing, nor is it restricted to cases with client consent, and it isn’t prohibited altogether; the rule provides a legitimate basis to act when public safety is at stake.