IANAL. But the problem with this plot point, as I understand it, is that physical evidence is NOT covered by Lawyer-Client confidentialiy. The defense attorney in fact had a legal obligation to turn over these videotapes to the prosecution, and thus faced no ethical dilemma. True? Or has show got legal ethics right, and I have legal ethics wrong? Buffista lawyers?

The answer, as it always is, is "it depends". The rules say that communications are confidential. I would not consider a videotape of the crime a communication, but you could maybe say that it was communication if the client gave the lawyer the tape. How did the lawyer get the tape?

The Lawyer got permission from the client to search the clients house in case there was incriminating evidence, and the search team found the videotapes.

Thanks for asking this, Typo. I was arguing with my TV on this same point.

I'm wondering if this is enough info for a definitive answer?

The Lawyer got permission from the client to search the clients house in case there was incriminating evidence, and the search team found the videotapes.

Hmm, it's a bit analagous to the client giving the attorney the murder weapon. I'd think that it's a case where if you have to worry about whether there is privilege, assume it attaches. As I recall, the only exceptions to privilege (and this varies by jurisdiction) are if there is if the attorney believes that there is imminent harm to another person.

I can't believe I am taking the bar again. Anyway, I think that if the lawyer had found a gun, he would have to turn it over. So a videotape is an object, not a communication (or so the prosecutor would argue). At least that's how I would write a bar question on the topic. (of course, you could also argue that the tape was a communication somehow. Although why a clent would ask an attorney to search his house when guilty, I don't know.)

eta: not any gun but as Vortex says, the murder weapon gun.

Without going into detail, the client was incredibly foolish and entitled. As I understand it, this is not unknown with real life criminal defendants. Basically, I think the defendant assume his attorney would find and destroy any incriminating evidence.

But just to get it straight, the murder weapon is different? If you have a gun or knife with which a client killed the victim, confidentiality does apply, and the defense attorney is NOT required to turn it into the prosecutor?

Oh no, I think you have to turn in the murder weapon. Or at least I know you can't hold it in your safe and claim ACP protects you from turning it over.

song playing over the end of Castle? anyone?