What action is a lawyer prohibited from taking in relation to the opposing party during litigation?

The correct answer highlights a critical ethical guideline in legal practice. A lawyer is strictly prohibited from unlawfully obstructing evidence or destroying documents during litigation because such actions undermine the integrity of the judicial process and violate the lawyer's duty to uphold the law. Attorneys are required to act with honesty and integrity, which includes preserving all relevant evidence and properly disclosing it to the opposing party. Engaging in practices that alter, conceal, or destroy evidence is not only unethical but could also lead to severe legal consequences, including disciplinary action or criminal charges.

Negotiating settlements, requesting a dismissal of the case, and filing evidence submissions, even if late, are all actions that a lawyer may take within the boundaries of the legal framework. These actions can be strategically beneficial and are part of normal litigation practices, provided they are conducted within the rules applicable to the case. However, any action that involves the destruction of evidence is fundamentally contrary to the principles of justice and fairness that govern legal proceedings.