C&F: Is this really coming back to bite me in the @$$? Forum

[Can I Live]

Okay, I'll keep this short and sweet.

Fordham's C&F section asks:

Have you ever been placed on probation, dropped, suspended, expelled or otherwise been subjected to discipline by any institution of learning above elementary school level for conduct which might reflect upon your character?

NYU asks:

Have you ever been subject to academic or any other disciplinary sanctions, or are charges pending at any academic institution? This should include matters that have been expunged or dismissed.

So when I was a freshman or sophomore in high school (it was so long ago I can't even remember when exactly) I committed plagiarism and my teacher discovered what I had done. She sent me to the provost who told me that I wouldn't receive any punishment this time, but that they would hold the offense on my record in case I ever did it again. I have never even thought about doing something that stupid since, but I assume there must be some record of this event somewhere. So I should disclose this incident, right?

Or am I crazy?

[Ti Malice]

Definitely disclose. Far better that you did it early in high school as opposed to during college.

[20130312]

I'm a fan of your username, OP. Also,

I should disclose this incident

[dingbat]

Absolutely disclose.

Also, contact your local bar association and ask how big a problem this will be for the C&F portion of the bar
http://www.thelawinsider.com/insider-ti ... plication/

Nevertheless, there are a few issues that will definitely cause problems, such as crimes of moral turpitude, like theft or embezzlement, violent crimes, and academic dishonesty

[Can I Live]

Thanks for the responses! Especially you, InGoodFaith.

[20130312]

I ain't passed the bar, but I know a little bit

[09042014]

Prepare for a bad cycle. Plagiarism is something law schools actually come down hard on.

[spleenworship]

I'm betting high school plagiarism isn't going to kill your chances, but as above, disclose.

[Trout et al]

.

[spleenworship]

Is HS plagiarism going hurt OP's chance at passing the bar?

Pass, no. Admission, unlikely if disclosed but possible. Admission if not disclosed and discovered, absolutely.

[bluepenguin]

edit: Whoops, misread. Thought you were saying unlikely to be admitted to the bar because of high school academic dishonesty Would only believe that if s/he rigged the SATs or something

[wert3813]

.

[dingbat]

Tough to see plagiarism at 14 doing someone in ten years later.

Plagiarism at 14, no
non-disclosure at 22 (or whatever age OP is), yes
everyone makes mistakes, it's called being human. Denying them is called being a liar*


*not my opinion, but it simplifies the issue