What may a lawyer tell a witness regarding dealing with other parties?

• A. A witness must be advised to deal with all parties and share confidentiality.
• B. It is okay to tell a witness they are not obliged to deal with other parties or to be advised about confidentiality.
• C. A witness must reveal all communications to the court.
• D. A witness must consult with all parties before testifying.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a lawyer can set clear boundaries for a witness about dealings with others and about confidentiality, without imposing unnecessary obligations. It is appropriate for a lawyer to say to a witness that they are not obliged to deal with every party involved and that there is no requirement to seek or be given confidentiality advice unless the witness wants it. This respects the witness’s autonomy and protects confidential communications, avoiding pressure to engage with others or disclose information beyond what the witness chooses.

The other options propose obligations that don’t fit ethical practice: insisting a witness must deal with all parties and share confidentiality would undermine the witness’s control and the protection of confidential information; requiring all communications to be revealed to the court ignores privilege; and mandating consultation with all parties before testifying wrongly imposes a procedural step that isn’t required for testimony.