The San Francisco call., 1909-06-05
COLLINS DENOUNCED
BY MEMBERS OF BAR
Attorneys Join in Attack on
HeinOus Character of
Convicted Periurer
Denman Suggests That Law Be
Passed Giving Court the
Power of Disbarment

George D. Collins was vigorously de-
the bar association of San Francisco
and William Denman suggested that
the bar association go before the state
legislature and have passed a law Civ
ing the supreme court discretion to
disbar lawyer notoriously guilty of
offenses against public decency. w.
II. Payson Joined with Denman in the
attack on the ''hernous character of
Collins social transgression.' other
members Of the association joined in
the general discussion and the supreme
court was criticised oy implication for
its highly technical stand in the dis
barment proceedings now dormant in
that tribunal against the convicted
perjurer.
MAY BE DISBARRED on FINDINGS
1t was the opinion of many of the
members that as soon as the findings
OF the United States supreme court in
the Collins matter are handed down
Collins may be disbarred on motion,
though in the opinion of Denman the
supreme court could have taken as
final the findings of guilt against Col
lins by the highest state court.
We must go to the legislature in
this matter" said Denman The su-
preme court held that Collins could not
be tried in disbarment proceedings on
the charges arising against his social
offenses, but that he might be tried on
the charge that he had attacked Judge
OF the superior court. There should be
a law passed so that court could dis
bar an attorney who is morally unfit"
It was pointed out by the speaker
that Collins had committed bigamy and
had treated his wife in a most despic-
able manner; that he had committed
perjury. and also that he had attacked
a judge (herrigan) for some wanton
purposes of his own. The supreme
court ruled that Collins could not be
tried for disbarment on the first two
charges. because they did not affect his
relations as a lawyer with his clients,
or the court. It was held that he
could be tried on the third charge
Payson was equally vehement in his
arrangement Of the "heinous character
Of Collins"
JUDGE LINDLEY EXPLAINS
Judge Curtis H. Lindley. president of
the association. further explained his
published defense of the attitude of the
bar association in the Collins case.
which was more acquiescent than the
militant stand OF Denman and Pay
son. The association decided TO indorse
and adopted as its own formal opinion
Judge Lindley's written defense of its
position.
The meeting, which was held in the
rooms of the bar association in the Pa
cihc building. was largely attended.
Several important reforms in court pro-
cedure were taken up. Committees of
I'VE were ordered appointed by the
president to consider and promote the
following plans:
To consider the recommendations made by
Chief Justice Beatty for reform in the jury sys-
and matters pertaining 10 reforms In that
direction
To devise plans for the organization of state
bar association.
To consider the sdvisablity Of reforms In
court procedure and the simpli6cations OF civil
and criminal practice by court rules rather than
by statutory enactment.
To report resolutions stating the attitude Of
OF professional ethics. with special reference TO
the ethical rules adopted by the American bar
association.
To report on plans TO bring about a change
whereby the courtesy OF lawyers In extending
time may be abrogated except by consent OF
clients whereby nisi prius courts may convene
promptly and decisions OF courts be rendered
without delay
William Denman said that the pro-
posed law regarding the nonpartisan
selection of judges would pass at the
next session of the legislature.