"GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" AS A LICENSING STANDARD

LARRY CRADDOCK, Austin

Administrative Law Judge

Finance Commission of Texas

State Bar of Texas

19^TH ANNUAL ADVANCED

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURSE

September 20-21, 2007

Austin

CHAPTER 15.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 1

Definition of the Phrase "Good Moral Character".................................................................................................. 1

Similarities and Differences Between the Good Moral Character Licensing Standard and the Occupations Code Licensing Standard...................................................................................................................................................... 2

Case Law Allowing A Licensing Authority To Deny A License On Lack Of Good Moral Character Grounds Only When There Is A Rational Relation Between The Conduct That Forms The Basis For License Denial And A Concern That The Applicant Would Not Properly Perform The Duties Of A Licensee If the License Were Granted --.................. 3

How the Good Moral Character and Occupations Code Standard Issues Arise........................................................ 4

The Hearing........................................................................................................................................................ 5

Some Factors Which Have Been Held To Evidence Good Moral Character; Some Factors Which Have Been Held To Evidence Bad Moral Character; and Some Factors Which Should Never Be Considered in Making the Good Moral Character Determination.............................................................................................................................. 5

Application Of The Good Moral Character Standard In Cases In Which The Applicant Has Been Convicted Of Very Serious Offenses -- Are Some Acts So Bad That The Applicant Should Never Be Reconsidered For A License?......... 6

Closing thoughts.................................................................................................................................................. 7

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