Citations
- 27 A.D. 129
Full opinion text
Per Curiam:
It appears from the papers presented that Mr. Maggio is a naturalized citizen of the United States, born in Italy, and that for more than three years he was an attorney of the higher courts in that kingdom, practicing his profession at Palermo. He presents the usual and necessary proof of these facts and of his good standing at the bar of that country, and also of his good character. In all these technical matters his papers comply with the rule which authorizes this court, in its discretion, to admit to practice at the bar of this State, as attorneys, gentlemen who have practiced their profession for a certain length of time in foreign countries.
It has been for nearly a quarter of a century the endeavor to raise the standard of learning required of persons who seek to practice the profession of law in this State. The object of this effort has been not alone to elevate the profession, but quite as much to assure to all who have occasion to consult lawyers that the person who is authorized to hold himself out as an attorney is competent to give advice. Indeed the latter is, to the great body of the community, the more important of the two objects. The requirement that any one applying to be admitted as- an attorney, who has practiced his profession in a foreign country, shall have been at the bar of that country for a certain length of time, is intended- to operate the same direction. When the practitioner comes from a foreign 'State whose system of law is analogous to our own, we may fairly ¿assume that, after he has resided here long enough to become eligible in other respects to be admitted to our bar, he has an acquaintance with our system of jurisprudence and.our laws as: will render him a safe counsel to those clients who apply to him. But, as is well known, our system differs greatly from the law which is administered in the country whence this applicant comes. . It is quite true that ¿as to all the rules of law which are based upon the broad principles