In Re: Al C. Argosino 246 SCRA 14 (1995)
In Re: Al C.
Argosino 246 SCRA 14 (1995)
FACTS:
Argosino,
together with 13 others, was charged with the crime of homicide in connection to
Raul Camaligan death due to hazing conducted as part of the university
fraternity initiation rites. On February 11, 1993, the accused were
consequently sentenced to suffer imprisonment Mr. Argosino and his colleagues
filed an application for probation and was granted on June 18 1993. Argosino took
the bar exam and passed, but was not allowed to take the lawyer's oath of office.
He filed a petition to allow him to take
the attorney's oath and be admitted to the practice of law.
ISSUE:
Whether
Argosino should be allowed to take the oath of attorney and be admitted to the
practice of law
HELD:
Yes. Mr.
Argosino must submit to this Court evidence that he may now be regarded as
complying with the requirement of good moral character imposed upon those who
are seeking admission to the bar. He should show to the Court how he has tried
to make up for the senseless killing of a helpless student to the family of the
deceased student and to the community at large. In short, he must show evidence
that he is a different person now, that he has become morally fit for admission
to the profession of law.
Al Caparros
Argosino is hereby ALLOWED to take the lawyer's oath on a date to be set by the
Court, to sign the Roll of Attorneys and, thereafter, to practice the legal
profession.
NOTES:
The
practice of law is a high personal privilege limited to citizens of good moral
character, with special education qualifications, duly ascertained and
certified.
Requirement of good moral character is of greater importance so far as the
general public and proper administration of justice is concerned.
All
aspects of moral character and behavior may be inquired into in respect of
those seeking admission to the Bar.
Requirement of good moral character to be satisfied by those who would seek
admission to the bar must be a necessity more stringent than the norm of
conduct expected from members of the general public.
Participation in the prolonged mindless physical beatings inflicted upon Raul
Camaligan constituted evident rejection of that moral duty and was totally irresponsible
behavior, which makes impossible a finding that the participant was possessed
of good moral character.
Good moral
character is a requirement possession of which must be demonstrated at the time
of the application for permission to take the barexaminations and more
importantly at the time of application for admission to the bar and to take the
attorney's oath of office.
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