Disbarred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disbarred

[dɪsˈbɑːrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Disbarred refers to the action of a legal professional being expelled from the bar association, which is the organization that licenses and regulates lawyers. This typically occurs after a formal process in which the targeted individual is found to have committed ethical violations or engaged in professional misconduct. Being disbarred results in the loss of the ability to practice law. This severe penalty is often seen as a protective measure for the public and the integrity of the legal profession.

Synonyms

deregistered, excluded, expelled.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer was disbarred for embezzling client funds.
  • After the investigation, he was disbarred from practicing law.
  • She faced disbarment due to repeated ethical violations.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal System

  • Disbarment is often the result of serious misconduct, such as committing a crime or cheating clients.
  • The process of disbarment usually involves an investigation and hearing by a legal authority who reviews the lawyer's behavior.
  • Once disbarred, lawyers often can't regain their license unless they go through a lengthy reapplication process.

Historical Context

  • The concept of disbarment has roots in English common law, evolving from the need to maintain integrity in the legal profession.
  • In the United States, each state has its own rules and processes for disbarment, reflecting the federal structure of the legal system.
  • The American Bar Association provides guidelines and standards, but each state ultimately governs its own practices on disbarment.

Ethics in Law

  • Disbarment underscores the importance of ethical conduct among lawyers, ensuring they serve clients and the public effectively.
  • Lawyers are expected to adhere to strict ethical guidelines, and disbarment serves as a warning to others about the consequences of unethical behavior.
  • Some famous lawyers have faced disbarment, highlighting that even prominent figures are not above the law.

Cultural Impact

  • In popular media, disbarment often serves as a plot point, emphasizing moral lessons about integrity and responsibility in the legal field.
  • High-profile cases of disbarred lawyers can lead to public discussions about the trustworthiness of legal professionals.
  • Disbarment stories can be found in true crime narratives, spotlighting the darker side of law and justice.

Rehabilitation

  • Some disbarred attorneys seek redemption through community service or working in related fields, such as teaching or consulting.
  • Reinstatement can be challenging but is possible; many disbarred lawyers have successfully returned to practice after demonstrating personal and professional reform.
  • Organizations and bar associations may offer programs to help disbarred lawyers reintegrate into society and the profession.

Origin of 'disbarred'

The term 'disbar' can be traced back to Middle English, combining 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'asunder' and 'barre' which refers to the obstruction or barrier to entry into a profession, specifically a legal one. Its roots are firmly planted in the regulatory practices of the legal profession that emerged in the medieval period, as lawyers began to form organized groups and associations. The concept of regulating lawyers predates the formal establishment of bar associations; however, it was during the 19th century that the term became widely used in legal contexts, particularly in the English-speaking world. As the legal profession evolved, so did the terms and processes associated with maintaining its standards, leading to the current understanding of disbarment as a necessary action to protect the integrity of the law and public trust in legal practitioners.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,052, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.