Under what condition can exceptions to the rule of confidentiality be authorized by clients?

The option indicating that exceptions to the rule of confidentiality can be authorized by clients with express authorization after informed consent is correct because it aligns with the established principles of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality within legal ethics.

In legal practice, maintaining client confidentiality is fundamental. Clients have the right to control the disclosure of their information, and this can only be overridden with their informed consent. Informed consent means that a client understands the implications of sharing their information and provides explicit permission for the attorney to disclose it. This ensures that clients are making educated decisions about their secrets and sensitive information, especially in a relationship that relies on trust.

The other options do not adequately capture the principles of confidentiality. Witness statements, verbal agreements, and emergency situations can present complex scenarios, but they do not provide the same level of assurance that the client's informed and express consent entails. Legal ethics prioritize clear and unequivocal consent from the client for any exceptions to confidentiality, thus protecting the integrity of the attorney-client relationship.