What does it mean that a bar applicant must possess “good moral character?
In the case of Florida Board of Bar Examiners re G.W.L., 364 So. 2d 454 (Fla. 1978), the Supreme Court of Florida concluded that good moral character should not be restricted to acts involving moral turpitude. Such a restricted definition “would not sufficiently protect the public interest.” After observing that “the unscrupulous attorney… [has] frequent opportunities to defraud the client or obstruct the judicial process,” the Supreme Court of Florida held that the appropriate standard of inquiry into good moral character should emphasize “honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others.” The Court also recognized “that the standard of conduct required of an applicant for admission to the bar must have a rational connection to the applicant’s fitness to practice law.
