Do Ask and Do Tell: Rethinking the Lawyer's Duty to Warn in Domestic Violence Cases

51 Pages Posted: 3 Sep 2007

See all articles by Margaret B. Drew

Margaret B. Drew

UMass School of Law

Sarah M. Buel

Arizona State University (ASU) - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Abstract

Empirical data document that while domestic violence victims face high risk of recurring abuse, batterers' lawyers may be privy to information that could avert further harm. Attorneys owe a duty of confidentiality to their clients that can be breached only in extraordinary circumstances, such as when counsel learns her client plans to commit a crime. To resolve the tension between client confidentiality and victim safety, this Article argues that, in the context of domestic violence cases, lawyers have an affirmative duty to (1) screen battering clients who have indicated a likelihood of harming others, (2) attempt to dissuade them from carrying out planned violent crimes, and (3) warn identifiable abuse victims whom their clients have threatened. Using doctrinal and normative analyses, the Article posits that attorneys who fail to take these preemptive actions may be held liable in tort for their omissions. In addition to clarifying the lawyer's obligations, this Article provides guidance as to the steps necessary for avoiding tort liability while increasing victim safety. It concludes with specific recommendations for remedial statutory changes consistent with fundamental precepts of a lawyer's professional responsibility.

Keywords: Duty to warn, domestic violence, confidentiality, tort liability

JEL Classification: K14

Suggested Citation

Drew, Margaret Bell and Buel, Sarah M., Do Ask and Do Tell: Rethinking the Lawyer's Duty to Warn in Domestic Violence Cases. University of Cincinnati Law Review, Vol. 75, No. 447, 2006, U of Cincinnati Public Law Research Paper No. 07-17, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1011442

Margaret Bell Drew (Contact Author)

UMass School of Law ( email )

333 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
United States
508-985-1126 (Phone)

Sarah M. Buel

Arizona State University (ASU) - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States

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