Opinion ID: 1255297
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: whether a valid disciplinary action can be considered where the case is based upon inconsistent or incomplete testimony of witnesses

Text: Jenkins argues that the changes in the Hopewells' testimony and admissions that other statements were erroneous, preclude the acceptance of their testimony and the basis of the complaint. Jenkins' argument centers around statements by the Hopewells that were contradicted by the Hopewells' subsequent testimony. Jenkins argues that these erroneous and inconsistent statements affect the credibility of the witness and that their statements cannot meet the clear and convincing standard required in an attorney discipline case. We disagree. The Hopewells admitted to inconsistencies in their prior statements either based on poor recollection of the facts or based on more recent information. Not all statements by the witnesses were found to be untrue. The admitted inconsistencies do not require this Court to discount all of the witnesses' testimony and do not preclude the basis for the complaint. The hearing committee and this Court are entitled to make credibility determinations of the witnesses. There has been no admission of intentional falsehoods in this case, and the admitted inconsistencies do not preclude the maintenance of this action.