CHAPTER 7 - 7-1 INTRODUCTION

• Jurisdiction: United States

7-1 Introduction

All of the domestic jurisdictions in the United States maintain a system of bar discipline wherein complaints against lawyers are investigated and adjudicated. While there is a national model set of disciplinary rules¹ virtually every jurisdiction has its own practice. In most states, lawyer discipline is adjudicated before either an appellate court or their supreme court. While all states have robust administrative, investigatory and prosecutorial regimes, the imposition of discipline is usually done by either a single justice or a panel of the highest court in the state.²

Connecticut departs from the national norm in that bar discipline, up to but not including suspensions and disbarments, is imposed by the Statewide Grievance Com-mittee.³ The Grievance Committee is an "arm of the court" in this regard.⁴ Disciplinary matters involving suspension or disbarment or otherwise beyond the authority of the Grievance Committee are within the jurisdiction of the superior court and are the subject of a prosecution called a presentment.⁵

The process of bar discipline in Connecticut is extremely complex. In addition to the procedures found in the rules, there are protocols, procedures and understandings, knowledge of which will enable the practitioner to more effectively operate in the...