Chief gives examiners their marching orders: 'it is you who will determine who are the lawyers of tomorrow'.

It is up to the Board of Bar Examiner to ensure the admission process is honest, open, and fair and to admit only those of the highest character.

That was part of the pep talk Chief Justice Fred Lewis gave before swearing-in three new members of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners at the Supreme Court October 9 in Tallahassee. Lawyer members Michael P. Dickey of Panama City and Jerry M. Gewirtz of Tampa were sworn in for five-year terms, and public member Steve Maxwell of Sanibel Island was sworn-in for a three-year term.

Chief Justice Lewis reminded the members that every lawyer and judge in Florida is going to pass through their hands and the board must be vigilant in making sure the bar exam is "an honest document and honest test, it's fair, and it is not inherently unreliable, or discriminatory."

But, he said, the board's role really comes down to the character and fitness issue.

"More and more we see--and I think it will surprise you some--the extent of the character and fitness questions that arise because...