Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s attempt to dismiss the Texas State Bar’s disciplinary case against him met a significant setback recently. The case, which sprouts from the attorney’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, remained solid after a Texas court of appeals ruling on Friday.
In detail, the State Bar of Texas has accused Paxton of professional misconduct connected to a petition he filed in December 2020. The petition asked the United States Supreme Court to effectively invalidate the presidential election results in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The disciplinary case alleges that this was a frivolous lawsuit, tarnishing the public perception of the legal profession’s integrity.
The Texas Third Court of Appeals has now ruled that if the State Bar can demonstrate that Paxton’s efforts were meritless, he can be penalized. The exact nature of the penalties has not yet been clarified, but they could include a range from public reprimand to disbarment.
It’s essential to highlight that Paxton’s attempts to have the case dismissed have been overridden, but the lawsuit’s final verdict is yet to be decided. The current decision merely implies that the Texas legal authorities believe there are legitimate grounds for punitive measures, should the State Bar’s allegations be proven true.
Ken Paxton has continuously defended his actions, arguing that the appeal aimed to ensure election integrity. The lawsuit he filed in 2020 was supported by President Donald Trump at the time, although it was ultimately rejected by the Supreme Court.
For further details about this ongoing investigation, the Texas Austin Court of Appeals decision can be read here.