Narrative Opinion Summary
The case concerns the suspension of the prosecuting attorney of Knox County due to pending attorney disciplinary charges. The Court initially issued an order of suspension on October 11, 1996, which was amended to take effect on October 28, 1996, to allow for the appointment of a temporary replacement. Subsequently, a temporary prosecuting attorney was appointed, and the suspension's effective date was extended to November 4, 1996. This suspension bars the attorney from practicing law and performing prosecutorial duties until the disciplinary charges are resolved or further court order. The original suspension order's provisions remain unchanged. The Clerk of the Court was directed to ensure proper notification of all relevant parties, including the suspended attorney, his legal counsel, the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, and judicial and county officials. The order is also to be recorded in the Knox Circuit Court's Record of Judgments and Orders. The Court's decision reflects its commitment to maintaining professional conduct standards within the legal community. All Justices concurred in the decision.
Legal Issues Addressed
Attorney Suspension Pending Disciplinary Chargessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court suspended the prosecuting attorney pending the outcome of disciplinary charges, demonstrating the judiciary's role in overseeing attorney conduct.
Reasoning: On October 11, 1996, the Court issued an Order of Suspension for Bradley J. Catt, Prosecuting Attorney of Knox County, pending the outcome of attorney disciplinary charges.
Clerical Notification and Filing Requirementssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The Clerk of the Court was tasked with distributing copies of the suspension order to all relevant parties and filing it in the Knox Circuit Court's records.
Reasoning: The Clerk of the Court is instructed to distribute copies of this order to relevant parties, including Catt, his attorney, the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, and various judicial and county officials.
Modification and Extension of Suspension Orderssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The effective date of suspension was extended to November 4, 1996, to align with the assumption of duties by the temporary prosecuting attorney.
Reasoning: Consequently, the effective date of Catt's suspension has been extended to November 4, 1996, from both legal practice and his prosecutorial duties, remaining in effect until the final resolution of the charges or further court order.
Procedural Requirements for Temporary Replacement of Suspended Attorneysubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court set a future effective date for the suspension to facilitate the appointment of a temporary replacement, ensuring continuity in prosecutorial duties.
Reasoning: An amended order later set the effective suspension date to October 28, 1996, to allow time for appointing a temporary replacement.