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In pertinent part, Rule 33(b) provides:
(b) Effect of Signature: The signature of counsel
* * * constitutes a certificate by the signer that the
signer has read the pleading; that, to the best of the
signer's knowledge, information, and belief formed
after reasonable inquiry, it is well grounded in fact
and is warranted by existing law or a good faith
argument for the extension, modification, or reversal
of existing law; and that it is not interposed for any
improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause
unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of
litigation. * * * If a pleading is signed in violation
of this Rule, the Court, upon motion or upon its own
initiative, may impose upon the person who signed it *
* * an appropriate sanction, which may include an order
to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the
reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of
the pleading, including reasonable counsel’s fees.
The effect of a signature on a motion is the same as the effect
of a signature on a pleading. Rule 50(a).
In pertinent part, Model Rules 3.1 states: “A lawyer shall
not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an
issue therein, unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing
so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument
for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law.”
Mr. Jones has signed pleadings and other papers to bring and
defend these proceedings knowing petitioners’ claims to be
meritless.8 He has done so in violation of our rules and the
7(...continued)
applicable rules.
8 The pleadings and papers we have in mind are the
petitions, motions for leave to amend petition, amended
petitions, and objections to the motions for summary judgment.
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Last modified: November 10, 2007