Felons In The Legal Field

Abstract

Felons convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter have a disadvantage to becoming a licensed attorney. There are some states that will allow felons to become licensed attorneys, but not all. Although some of the states do have exceptions to the rule barring the admission of felons to practice law, only a select few of those states’ exceptions are reasonable. The problem with not allowing felons convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter to become licensed attorneys at all is it takes away their chance at a fresh start. These former felons are trying to start over, and some states are barring them from doing that. If a felon has gone through rehabilitation and shown a positive change in character and fitness, then there is no reason that a former felon should not be allowed to become a licensed attorney. There should be fair proceedings for each felon who attempts to become an attorney. Using some guidelines discussed in this work, admissions authorities should review each case differently depending on the facts and other circumstances of that specific case. Rehabilitation must be proven as well as a confirmed change in character and moral qualities.