Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

During the civil paternity suit, what would be a permissible statement for Attorney to make publicly?

1. "We have a scientific medical test proving that D is sterile."

2. "As stated in our pleadings, we expect to prove that other men could be the father."

3. "We have sufficient evidence to prove D's innocence."

4. "The case is clearly fabricated by P."

The correct answer is: "As stated in our pleadings, we expect to prove that other men could be the father."

The choice to express that "As stated in our pleadings, we expect to prove that other men could be the father" is permissible because it reflects a statement grounded in the legal process. This type of communication acknowledges the ongoing legal proceedings and focuses on the claims made in court documents, which are typically public information and part of the official record of the case. It does not cast aspersions on others or make definitive claims outside the established facts presented in the pleadings. Statements related to scientific medical tests, like claiming D is sterile, imply certainty about evidence that might not yet be fully substantiated. Similarly, stating that there is sufficient evidence to prove D's innocence or that the case is fabricated suggests a degree of confidence in matters still to be resolved in court and may cross into speculative or prejudicial territory. Therefore, the selected statement correctly aligns with the norms of legal communication that aim to maintain a level of professionalism and fact-based discourse in the context of ongoing litigation.