Bar Can Inquire Into Bankrupt Applicant's Finances

An applicant for admission to the Oregon Bar disclosed past due debts and, when the bar admission authorities sought further information, declared bankruptcy and contended that the bar no longer had the authority to inquire into his finances. On appeal, he contended that the court had not previously denied admission solely for issues of financial irresponsibility.

It may not shock the reader that the Oregon Supreme Court rejected the argument and denied admission. The court noted that it was the applicant's failure to cooperate with the inquiry, not his declaration of bankruptcy, that led to its decision. (Mike Frisch)