Opinion ID: 2593693
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: standard of determination in bar disciplinary proceeding

Text: ¶ 18 The Oklahoma Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over Bar disciplinary proceedings. [5] The standard of determination for these proceedings enunciated in State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Todd, 833 P.2d 260 (Okla.1992) is applicable. There the court held: In attorney disciplinary proceedings this Court's determinations are made de novo. The ultimate responsibility for deciding whether misconduct has occurred and what discipline is warranted if misconduct is found rests with us in the exercise of our exclusive original jurisdiction in bar disciplinary matters. Accordingly, neither the findings of fact of a Professional Responsibility Tribunal (PRT) nor its view of the evidence or credibility of witnesses are binding on us and recommendations of a PRT are merely advisory. (citations omitted) Id. at 262. Hence, the Court's responsibility is to ensure that the record is sufficient for a thorough inquiry into essential facts and for crafting the appropriate discipline that would avoid the vice of visiting disparate treatment on the respondent. [6] In a de novo review a full-scale exploration of all relevant facts is mandatory. [7] Neither the parties' stipulation nor the PRT's findings and recommendations are binding upon the Court. [8]