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Simple English definitions for legal terms
character and fitness
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A quick definition of character and fitness:
Character and fitness: Before becoming a lawyer in the United States, people have to prove that they are good people and won't do anything bad. This is called "character and fitness." They have to fill out a form that asks about their past, like if they ever got in trouble with the law or didn't pay their bills. They also have to give names of people who can say they are good people. Some people might have to talk to the people who decide if they can be a lawyer. This is to make sure that only good people become lawyers and can help people in the right way.
A more thorough explanation:
Character and Fitness is a process that bar candidates in the United States must go through to prove that they are good people and fit to practice law. This is done to protect the public from incompetent attorneys.
Every state has its own Character and Fitness evaluation process, but in general, candidates must provide information about their:
- Civil and criminal violations
- References that can attest to their moral character
- Employment history
- Address history
- Academic history, including whether they violated the honor code
- Financial history, such as unpaid credit card debt
For example, if a candidate had a criminal record or a history of not paying their bills, this could be a red flag for the bar admissions board. They want to make sure that the people who become lawyers are trustworthy and responsible.
In addition to filling out an application, some candidates may also have to interview with the bar admissions board about their background. This is to make sure that they are honest and forthcoming about their past.