Which rule governs a lawyer's duty to report professional misconduct?

The duty of a lawyer to report professional misconduct is governed by Rule 8.3 of the Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule establishes that a lawyer who knows that another lawyer has committed a violation of the professional conduct rules that raises a substantial question as to that lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer must report that information to the appropriate professional authority.

This rule is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, as it encourages transparency and accountability among lawyers. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of lawyers to uphold ethical standards and to act in the public interest by ensuring that misconduct does not go unchecked.

In contrast, Rule 8.1 pertains to the duty of a lawyer to respond to requests for information concerning a lawyer's compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 8.2 addresses statements pertaining to judges and judicial candidates, while Rule 8.4 outlines various professional conduct violations, including misconduct and criminal acts that reflect poorly on a lawyer's fitness. While all of these rules relate to a lawyer's ethical responsibilities, only Rule 8.3 specifically mandates the reporting of professional misconduct by colleagues.