RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT RELATING TO ADMISSIONS TO THE FLORIDA BAR; “WHOLE PERSON” VIEW
RULE 3-11 Disqualifying Conduct RULE 3-12 Determination of Present Character RULE 3-13 Elements of Rehabilitation
Clearly, character issues are thoroughly investigated, but the board’s evaluation does not take place in a vacuum. In making its determination of moral character, the board views the applicant as a whole person, taking into account the applicant’s entire life history, rather than limiting its view to isolated events in the applicant’s life.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to The Bar, which are available in their entirety on the board’s website. Your attention is specifically directed to rules 3-11, 3-12, and 3-13 regarding how the board considers character and fitness issues.
*Rule 3-11 addresses disqualifying conduct.
*Rule 3-12 explains how the board determines good moral character.
*Rule 3-13 speaks to elements of rehabilitation.
BOARD’S GOALS
That is a brief overview of the key issues the board deals with in evaluating applicants for admission – issues that come before the board for its decision on whether to recommend an applicant for admission or not.
Be assured that it is not the intent of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners to make the process difficult for law students. It is the board’s intent, rather, and its mission to protect the public and the judicial system. It is also the board’s goal to serve applicants by providing an efficient, fair, and professional evaluation.
With the board’s goals in mind, it is the staff’s responsibility to carry out that mission by performing two specific functions:
1. Conduct the background investigation to determine character and fitness.
2. Administer the bar examination to gauge professional competence.