Opinion ID: 1959492
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The OAE

Text: Deference is also appropriate in this case because the OAE declined to appeal the DRB recommendation of a reprimand to the Court. As with the DRB, reticence is not the hallmark of the OAE. The OAE pursues ethics violations with diligence, especially those concerning alleged interference with the governing process. Although the OAE urged that a six-month suspension be imposed when it was before the DRB and when it appeared before the Court, the OAE chose not to petition for review of the DRB imposition of a reprimand. The OAE's decision not to appeal suggests that the interests of justice are served by a reprimand. However, as discussed below, I would add additional conditions to that penalty. Although not dispositive, the views of those two respected ethics agencies, the DRB and OAE, are relevant.