Then a reprimand or suspension will do. A more rigorous interpretation, however, views infractions in a broader light. Here, harm is assessed, not only in terms of individual transactions or proceedings, but also with an eye toward the reaction of all who learn of the lawyer's behavior. Here what's being weighed is the level of harm that's been or that might be done to the public's confidence in the legal profession and to this country's system of law. These questions are enhanced by the factor of public office.
Lawyers dominate our government.
The public's confidence in government cannot be separated from its confidence in the profession of law. Erosion of that confidence, while hard to measure, poses a serious threat. Consider a simple example. Say a local prosecuting attorney doesn't pay his parking tickets. Say he doesn't file his tax returns.