What does the term "candor to the tribunal" primarily refer to?

The term "candor to the tribunal" primarily refers to the duty of attorneys to be honest and forthright when presenting information to a court or other adjudicatory body. This obligation requires lawyers to disclose relevant information that may affect the outcome of a case, including evidence or legal authority that is not favorable to their client's position. The principle underlying this duty is to ensure that the legal process functions fairly and justly, as the integrity of the tribunal and the administration of justice rely on truthful disclosures from the parties involved.

In contrast, while client representation and maintaining confidentiality are vital aspects of a lawyer's responsibilities, they do not specifically encompass the duty of honesty and full disclosure to the tribunal. The duty of confidentiality, for instance, protects client communications but does not allow a lawyer to mislead the court. Similarly, strategies for negotiating settlements do not directly relate to the requirement of candor, as they typically involve discussions outside of the tribunal's purview and can include various tactics rather than a strict obligation to disclose. Thus, the focus on disclosing relevant information distinguished this duty from other important aspects of legal practice.