Court Opinion

ID: 9725215
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 11:34:59.271701+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:25:12.614839
License: Public Domain

Frank T. Gallagher, Justice
(dissenting).
It is my opinion under the record here that respondent’s request for permission to resign as an attorney and terminate his practice of law in lieu of being disbarred should be granted in accordance with the recommendations of the referee referred to in the majority opinion.
It seems to me that the difficulties and misconduct of the respondent here may have been attributable to his mental state, which his doctor testified disqualified him from the practice of law. If his actions were not the result of any voluntary choice on his part, it is my opinion that the severe penalty of disbarment should not be imposed.
Keeping in mind the viewpoint of this court expressed in In re Application for Discipline of Hanson, 258 Minn. 231, 103 N. W. (2d) 863, referred to by the majority, to the effect that punishment of the attorney is not the primary object of disbarment proceedings, but rather the protection of the courts, the profession, and the public, it appears to me that in this case, where the respondent is willing to resign and permanently discontinue the practice of law, he should be permitted to do so and his disbarment should not be ordered. For these reasons I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion.