In re the Proceedings for the Disbarment of Bruen

Citations

• 102 Wash. 472

Syllabus

<p>Constitutional Law—-Combining Legislative, Administrative and Judicial Powers—Attorneys—Disbarment. The power to hear and determine the right of an attorney to practice law being inherent judicial power, Laws 1917,- p. 421, giving to the state board of law examiners the power to hear and determine disbarment proceedings, creates a judicial tribunal, which at the same time is combined with the administrative and delegated legislative power to examine applicants for admission to the bar, investigate the conduct of attorneys, and initiate complaints for disbarment, in violation of Const., articles 2, 3 and 4, providing for three separate and distinct branches of government.</p> <p>Attorney and Client—Disbarment Proceedings—Powers of Examiners—Statutes—Eliminating Invalid Portion. Laws 1917, p. 421, giving the state board of law examiners power to examine applicants for admission to the bar, and to investigate the conduct of attorneys, initiate complaints and hear disbarment proceedings, subject to review by the courts, though unconstitutional in so far as it authorizes them to enter judgment of disbarment, is sustainable as to the delegated legislative and administrative functions, and authorizes the board to pass upon the evidence received, and report the same to the supreme court; since the valid is separable from the invalid portions of the act.</p> <p>Courts—Supreme Court—Attorneys—Disbarment. The supreme court having been vested with the exclusive power to admit and enroll attorneys, and having inherent power to disbar them, the legislature could by Laws 1917, p. 421, vest it with exclusive jurisdiction of disbarment proceedings, upon reports made to it by the state, board of law examiners.</p> <p>Constitutional Law—Due Process—Attorneys—Right to Practice—Notice—Proceedings. Laws 1917, p. 421, providing for the disbarment of attorneys, upon notice and complaints made to and heard by the state board of law examiners, reported to the supreme court, does not viola