Bar (law)

The term "bar" in law has several related meanings, all stemming from the physical bar or barrier in a courtroom that historically separated the judge, lawyers, and those involved in the case from the spectators.

1. The Legal Profession: "The bar" most commonly refers to the collective body of attorneys admitted to practice law in a particular jurisdiction (e.g., a state, territory, or federal court). Admission to the bar usually requires graduating from an accredited law school, passing a bar examination, and meeting character and fitness requirements. Lawyers are then said to be "members of the bar" or "admitted to the bar."

2. Bar Association: A "bar association" is an organization of lawyers. These associations can be voluntary (like the American Bar Association) or mandatory (integrated bar associations, where membership is required to practice law in that jurisdiction). Bar associations often provide continuing legal education, offer ethics opinions, advocate for improvements in the legal system, and handle disciplinary matters against lawyers.

3. The Courtroom Barrier: Historically, and to some extent still symbolically, the "bar" refers to the railing or barrier that separates the public seating area from the area reserved for judges, lawyers, court staff, and parties to the case. To be "called to the bar" historically meant being admitted to practice and being allowed to address the court from within this designated area.

4. Bar Examination: The "bar examination" is a standardized test administered by each jurisdiction to assess a law graduate's knowledge of fundamental legal principles and their ability to apply those principles to factual situations. Passing the bar examination is a prerequisite for admission to the bar and the right to practice law in that jurisdiction.

5. Disbarment: "Disbarment" is the disciplinary removal of an attorney from the bar. It is the most serious sanction that can be imposed on a lawyer and effectively revokes their license to practice law. Disbarment usually results from serious ethical violations or criminal conduct.