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408 Pa. 84

Brodstein Disbarment Case

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Decided June 13, 1962

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · decided 1962-06-13

Cited by 10 later decisions — most recently November 1979

10 state decisions

Key passage — most relied on by later courts

““Since the founding days of this nation, the lawyer has played an important part in our democratic process. It was through the lawyer and his intimate relationship with government that our country developed the unique institutions that now characterize our American society. The large number of lawyers who have been presidents, governors, congressmen and legislators, not to speak of those who served in countless other public positions, have closely identified the lawyer with our democratic government and our democratic institutions. “The relationship of the lawyer to his government should provide an exemplary standard for the relationship of the general public to its government. Actions that breach the solemn trust that the lawyer owes to his government do great damage to our democracy. They should not be glossed over, justified or excused ...””

quoted by 2 later decisions, including 12 Pa. D. & C.3d 540 - In re Anonymous No. 49 D.B. 77, 12 Pa. D. & C.3d 529 - In re Anonymous No. 49 D.B. 78

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1962-06-13

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

¶1*86Concurring Opinion by

Mr. Justice Cohen:

¶2The apparent lack of appreciation of the lawyer’s fundamental responsibility to the courts, the public and our form of government which is evidenced by the dissenting opinion compels me to make this observation in support of the majority.

¶3Since the founding days of this nation,.the lawyer has played an important part in our democratic process. It was through the lawyer and his intimate relationship with government that our country developed the unique institutions that now characterize our American society. The large number of lawyers who have been presidents, governors, congressmen and legislators, not to speak of those who served in countless other public positions, have closely identified the lawyer with our democratic government and our democratic institutions.

¶4The relationship of the lawyer to his government should provide an exemplary standard for the relationship of the general public to its government. Actions that breach the solemn trust that the lawyer owes to his government do great damage to our- democracy. They should not be glossed over, justified or excused by unwarranted emotionalism.

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