Why is candor to the tribunal considered essential in maintaining justice?

Candor to the tribunal is vital because it ensures that the court has access to all relevant facts necessary for making informed decisions. The integrity of the judicial process relies heavily on the truthfulness of the information presented by the parties involved. When lawyers maintain candor, they contribute to a fair trial by preventing the introduction of misleading or incomplete information that could alter the outcome of the case. This obligation encourages all parties to act in good faith and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession, ultimately fostering public confidence in the judiciary and the justice system as a whole.

The other choices do not capture the core importance of candor to the tribunal. While earning a good reputation (the first option) might be a byproduct of maintaining candor, it is not the primary reason for its importance in justice. Minimizing the duration of trials and simplifying legal processes (the third and fourth options) can be beneficial, but they do not address the critical need for honesty and completeness in the information presented to the court, which is essential for fair and just outcomes.