How SLF Maintained the Viability of Professional Sanctions

ATLANTA: The Southeastern Legal Foundation and its President, Lynn Hogue, are proud of the pivotal role played by SLF in demanding accountability from President Clinton for his false and evasive testimony and unethical conduct in the Paula Jones lawsuit. SLF continues to believe that disbarment was the appropriate sanction for the misconduct. The Arkansas Committee on Professional Conduct, however, decided to accept a lesser, albeit serious sanction in view of the actions of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The U.S. Senate turned back impeachment conviction. Independent Counsel Robert Ray apparently concluded that criminal indictment and trial were not appropriate. The sanction that remained open -- professional censure -- was the only remaining option. It was an option because SLF filed a complaint against Clinton and successfully petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court for an order to compel the Committee to act. Without SLF's actions, there would have been no accountability.

The defense of the public's interest in the integrity of the judicial system was the single compelling basis for SLF's actions beginning in 1998. Today, we believe that the five-year suspension, after which Clinton must apply for reinstatement to the Arkansas Bar and must demonstrate rehabilitation, is an important step in protecting the public's best interests.

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