South Dakota Codified Laws 16-16-2.3. Good moral character–Relevant conduct
(1) The presence of any of the following may be cause for further inquiry:
(a) Unlawful conduct, including cases in which the record of arrest or conviction was expunged, with the exception of juvenile arrests and dispositions unless they pertain to a serious felony;
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 16-16-2.3
- Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
(b) Academic misconduct;
(c) Making of false statements, including omissions;
(d) Misconduct in employment;
(e) Acts involving dishonesty, disloyalty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;
(f) Abuse of legal process, including the filing of vexatious lawsuits;
(g) Neglect of financial responsibilities;
(h) Neglect of professional obligations;
(i) Violation of an order of a court, including child support orders;
(j) Evidence of mental or emotional instability;
(k) Evidence of drug or alcohol dependency or abuse;
(l) Denial of admission to the bar in another jurisdiction on character and fitness grounds;
(m) Disciplinary action against an applicant in any jurisdiction;
(n) Practicing law while not being so licensed.
The foregoing list is representative, not exclusive.
Source: SL 1990, ch 428 (Supreme Court Rule 89-10).