Luqman's musings

  In contentious civil cases, lawyers often face a difficult balancing act: the duty to follow client instructions versus the overriding duty of candour owed to the court. This tension becomes most acute when a client’s narrative conflicts with documents already on the court record.

                                                              Disclaimer: This commentary is general in nature and not related to any ongoing case. It is intended for public education and discussion of legal principles, not as commentary on the merits of any specific matter before the courts.   In every courtroom, whether in Washington or Kuala Lumpur , one principle stands above all others: candour to the court . Lawyers may argue fiercely, they may present facts selectively, but they cannot lie. Judges rely on counsel’s word to keep the machinery of justice running. When candor is compromised, credibility collapses.