Vocabulary word Disbar - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Elimination and Suspension

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Punishment and Enforcement

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Rejection and Renunciation

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Dictionary Definition of disbar

To officially revoke or suspend the license or membership of a lawyer, preventing them from practicing law.
"The court decided to disbar the attorney after discovering evidence of professional misconduct."

Detailed Meaning of Disbar

It is a disciplinary action taken by a governing body, such as a state bar association, against an attorney who has been found guilty of professional misconduct or unethical behavior. Disbarment is a severe penalty that is usually imposed in cases of serious wrongdoing, such as fraud, embezzlement, perjury, or a breach of client confidentiality. The process of disbarment typically involves a formal investigation, followed by a hearing where evidence is presented, and a decision is made based on the findings. Disbarment is a significant consequence, as it effectively terminates an attorney's legal career and their ability to represent clients in court. It is intended to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and maintain public trust in the justice system.

Example Sentences for Disbar

1. The state Supreme Court decided to disbar the attorney for repeated unethical behavior.
2. A single act of professional misconduct can disbar a lawyer permanently.
3. Despite their efforts, they could not disbar the unscrupulous attorney.
4. It's the board's right to disbar any legal professional found guilty of malpractice.
5. Can they disbar a lawyer based solely on anonymous accusations?
6. It was unfortunate to disbar a promising lawyer for such an oversight.

Origin and Etymology of Disbar

The verb 'disbar' is formed by combining the prefix 'dis-' and the word 'bar.' The prefix 'dis-' originates from Old French and signifies negation or reversal, while 'bar' in this context refers to the legal profession and the practice of law. In its etymology, 'disbar' conveys the idea of negating or reversing one's status as a member of the legal profession. It signifies the official revocation or suspension of a lawyer's license or membership, preventing them from practicing law. The term underscores the serious consequences and formal process involved in removing someone from the legal profession due to ethical violations or misconduct, emphasizing the loss of the privilege to practice law.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb disbar:

reinstate

admit

license

expel

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More Usage Examples of Disbar

1. The association should disbar those who have breached the professional code of conduct.
2. To disbar him for this seems excessively harsh and unfair.
3. The motion to disbar her passed unanimously, sending shock waves through the firm.
4. Their main objective is to disbar the lawyer who bribed the witness.
5. The legal panel will disbar the attorney if evidence of bribery is conclusive.
6. Only a serious violation can disbar a member of the law society.
7. It takes more than just rumors to disbar a practicing attorney.
8. If the investigation reveals fraud, they will disbar the implicated lawyer.
9. The judicial commission has the authority to disbar any attorney proven guilty.
10. To disbar her was a difficult decision, but it was necessary to maintain the profession's integrity.
11. Should they disbar a lawyer for a single, albeit grave, error?
12. Evidence surfaced that could disbar the senior partner at the firm.
13. Even a single act of misconduct can disbar you from practicing law.
14. They didn't want to disbar him, but his actions left them no other choice.