Conversely, false statements by a lawyer can unfairly undermine public confidence in the administration of justice. When a lawyer seeks judicial office, the lawyer should be bound by applicable limitations on political activity. To maintain the fair and independent administration of justice, lawyers are encouraged to continue traditional efforts to defend judges and courts unjustly criticized. This Rule does not require disclosure of information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6. The relationship between lawyers or judges acting on behalf of an Impaired Judge's Program or Lawyers Assistance Program approved by the Supreme Court, and lawyers or judges who have agreed to seek assistance from and participate in either of said programs, shall be considered one of attorney and client, with its attendant duty of confidentiality and privilege from disclosure.
Lawyers have a similar obligation with respect to judicial misconduct.
An apparently isolated violation may indicate a pattern of misconduct that only a disciplinary investigation can uncover. Reporting a violation is especially important where the victim is unlikely to discover the offense. A report about misconduct is not required where it would involve violation of Rule 1.6. However, a lawyer should encourage a client to consent to disclosure where prosecution would not substantially prejudice the client's interests. If a lawyer were obliged to report every violation of the Rules, the failure to report any violation would itself be a professional offense.