Court Opinion

ID: 9583997
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 22:43:41.938572+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:06:23.420515
License: Public Domain

BACKUS, J.,* Concurring and Dissenting.
I agree with the majority that petitioner should be disciplined and I further agree that in light of the mitigating circumstances the recommended discipline of one year’s actual suspension is too severe. I cannot, however, ignore the hearing panel’s finding that in three instances petitioner testified falsely before the hearing panel when such findings are based upon substantial objective evidence in the record. This court has recognized that such false testimony is a serious aggravating factor to be taken into consideration in imposing discipline. (Doyle v. State Bar (1982) 32 Cal.3d 12, 23 [126 Cal.Rptr. 801, 544 P.2d 937]; Worth v. State Bar (1978) 22 Cal.3d 707, 711 [130 Cal.Rptr. 712, 551 P.2d 16].) Taking such factors into consideration, it is my view that a 30-day period of actual suspension is insufficient and amounts to no more than an enforced vacation. I would impose an actual period of suspension of 90 days.

 Assigned by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.