Brian G. Takaba - Page 21




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          sanctions under 28 U.S.C. sec. 1927 (1988) are appropriate where            
          the attorney conduct multiplying the proceedings was reckless.              
          B.K.B. v. Maui Police Dept., 276 F.3d 1091, 1107 (9th Cir. 2002);           
          Fink v. Gomez, 239 F.3d 989, 993 (9th Cir. 2001); United States             
          v. Associated Convalescent Enters., Inc., 766 F.2d 1342 (9th Cir.           
          1985).  Because we are uncertain of appellate venue, and because            
          we find that petitioner’s counsel’s conduct would constitute bad            
          faith under the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit cases                
          applying a bad faith standard, e.g., In re Keegan Mgmt. Co., Sec.           
          Litig., 78 F.3d 431, 436 (9th Cir. 1996), we shall, for purposes            
          of this case (and without deciding the standard in this Court)              
          (and without deciding the standard in this Court), adopt that               
          standard.  See Nis Family Trust v. Commissioner, 115 T.C. at 548.           
                    2.  Bad Faith                                                     
                    a.  Petitioner’s Initial Arguments                                
               In the view of the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,             
          “bad faith” is present when an attorney knowingly or recklessly             
          raises a frivolous argument.  In re Keegan Mgmt. Co., Sec.                  
          Litig., supra; Estate of Blas v. Winkler, 792 F.2d 858, 860 (9th            
          Cir. 1986).  As discussed supra in section III.A., both                     
          petitioner’s initial arguments and the 861 argument are                     
          frivolous.  We recognize that petitioner originally appeared in             
          this case pro se.  Mr. Sulla appeared on June 21, 2000, at the              
          time of the 2000 trial session.  At that time, he was advised by            






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