Discipline for conduct outside the practice of law: conduct as a juror

The rules of conduct clearly state that making false statements to a tribunal constitutes misconduct.  Typically, we think of this as applying to attorneys who participate in a judicial process as an attorney, (ie when representing a client).  But a new case by the Supreme Court of Minnesota reminds us that this principle is broader than that. In this case, the attorney was called to serve as a juror.  During the voir dire process he lied about his past and, for this reason, the Supreme Court imposed a 60 suspension.  The case is called In re Petition for Disciplinary Action against Benjamin Adam Warpeh and it is available here.

Note that this is also an example of discipline for conduct outside the practice of law.

Just goes to show you that, as the old saying goes, "honesty is the best policy."

Thanks to the The Legal Profession Blog for the link.