Under what condition can an attorney disclose confidential information without consent?

An attorney may disclose confidential information without obtaining consent when it is deemed necessary to prevent certain harms. This is a critical exception in legal ethics, particularly when the information relates to the potential for serious injury or death. The rationale behind this exception is to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals over the obligation of confidentiality. For instance, if an attorney learns that a client is planning to commit a violent act or is at risk of harming themselves or others, the attorney is ethically required to take steps to prevent that harm, which may involve disclosing the necessary information to the appropriate authorities.

In the context of the other options, enhancing a case or disclosing information merely because it is public knowledge do not meet the ethical threshold for disclosure without consent. Such motivations do not align with the ethical duties of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. Similarly, while a court order may compel an attorney to disclose information, it is not a proactive condition that allows disclosure without consent; it is a response to a legal obligation. Therefore, the only scenario that allows for ethical disclosure without client consent focuses on the prevention of harm, making it the correct condition for attorneys to act.