Alabama State Bar
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Rules of Disciplinary Procedure
RULE 19. HEARINGS

(a) Standard of Proof
Clear and convincing evidence shall be the standard of proof required in all disciplinary proceedings, including petitions for reinstatements and transfer to disability inactive status.

(b) Rules of Evidence
In the taking of evidence by the Disciplinary Commission or by the Disciplinary Board, whether in a hearing, by deposition, by a commissioner, or by a Disciplinary Hearing Officer, the Commission or the Board shall consider only that evidence that, in its opinion, is relevant, material, or competent. In this regard, the Commission and the Board shall adhere to the Alabama Rules of Evidence, except that the Commission may relax these rules if a strict application would otherwise preclude the admission of highly probative and noncumulative documentary or demonstrative evidence.

(c) Objection Necessary to Preserve Issue for Appellate Review
On a hearing before the Board or Commission, counsel for the respective parties may object to proffered evidence and state grounds for the objection. Evidence received by the Board or the Commission without objection and stated reasons for the objection shall not be made an issue for appellate review.

“Note from the reporter of decisions: The order amending Rule 19, effective August 1, 2000, is published in that volume of Alabama Reporter that contains Alabama cases from ____So.2d.”

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