"Disbarring" is a word that refers to the act of stripping someone of their right to practice law. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /dɪsˈbɑrɪŋ/. This word is spelled with a prefix "dis-" which indicates negation or reversal, followed by the word "bar", and the suffix "-ing", which forms the present participle form of the verb. The vowel sound 'a' in "bar" is pronounced as /ɑ/ in IPA. Thus, the spelling of "disbarring" can be understood by breaking it down into its component parts and analyzing the sounds of each part.
Disbarring refers to the act of disqualifying or suspending an attorney or lawyer from practicing law, typically as a result of misconduct or violation of ethical standards. It is a disciplinary action taken by a professional governing body, such as a state bar association, where a lawyer's license to practice law is revoked, and they are effectively barred from practicing in that jurisdiction.
This process typically involves a formal disciplinary proceeding where allegations of professional misconduct against the attorney are investigated. The attorney may be subject to disciplinary action for various reasons, including but not limited to unethical behavior, fraud, dishonesty, professional negligence, conflicts of interest, or criminal convictions.
Disbarring is generally seen as a serious consequence, as it essentially strips an attorney of their legal standing and right to practice law. It is intended to protect the integrity of the legal profession and maintain public trust in the legal system. Disbarring does not typically prohibit an individual from finding employment in other fields, but it effectively puts an end to their legal career.
In many jurisdictions, the disbarring process involves a series of steps, including an investigation, formal charges, a hearing, and potential appeals. Disbarring is often considered a measure of last resort, and lesser forms of discipline, such as temporary suspension, admonishment, or requirements for continuing education, may be considered before resorting to complete disbarring.
The expelling of a barrister from the bar, a power vested in the benchers of the four inns of court, subject to an appeal to the fifteen judges.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "disbarring" is derived from the verb "disbar". The term "disbar" originated in the late 16th century and comes from the combination of two elements: "dis-" and "bar".
The prefix "dis-" is derived from Old French and Latin, often indicating negation or reversal. In this case, it denotes the action of undoing or revoking something.
The second part, "bar", originally comes from the Old English word "bear", which meant "a part, division, or portion". Over time, "bar" evolved to refer to a physical barrier or obstruction, often used to separate and deny access.
When these elements are combined, "disbar" refers to the act of removing or revoking an individual's license to practice law.