Report of the MBA Task Force on Lawyer Discipline

<U+2026>....presents and discusses the recommendations of the Disciplinary Task Force resulting from the collection and analysis of information relating to attorney discipline, both in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions, comparisons of the Massachusetts Rules of the Board of Bar Overseers with disciplinary rules from other jurisdictions, detailed analysis of the history of 52 cases that were adjudicated, and related data; sections include: Overview of Bar Discipline in Massachusetts / Lawyers and the Bar Discipline System / Coercive and Frivolous Complaints / Recommendations Concerning the ACAP Program / The Problem of Delay / The Need for Mediation / The Standard of Proof / The Problem of Public Hearings for Private Admonitions / Diversion to Lawyer Practice Assistance Programs / The Need for Fair Discovery and Disclosure / Motions to Dismiss / The Right to a Local Hearing Panel / The Problems of Criminal Convictions / The Use of Prior Discipline / Reinstatement Issues / The Appearance of Impartiality / and more [additional key words: attorneys, judges, courts, punishment, judicial system]<U+2026>....