Character and Fitness Inquiries in Law School Admissions

63 Pages Posted: 11 Jun 2013

See all articles by John S. Dzienkowski

John S. Dzienkowski

University of Texas at Austin - Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business

Date Written: 2003

Abstract

In all fifty states, bar admission authorities perform inquiries into the character and fitness of applicants. In some states, the process is formalized into a declaration of intent to study law or a law student registration. In other states, the process is very informal with a short questionnaire filled out by applicants a few months before sitting for the bar examination. Despite relatively powerful rhetoric and argument against such inquiries, bar authorities have continued to stress the importance of ex ante inquiries into character and fitness.Thus, the inquiry into bar character and fitness continues to remain a major feature of admission to the legal profession.

Suggested Citation

Dzienkowski, John S., Character and Fitness Inquiries in Law School Admissions (2003). South Texas Law Review, Vol. 45, No. 921, 2003-2004, U of Texas Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 455, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2277054

John S. Dzienkowski (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Austin - Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business ( email )

727 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78705
United States

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