Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio granted the Cincinnati Bar Association’s motion to hold Kathleen Suzanne Hardy in contempt for failing to appear as ordered and to comply with a master commissioner’s order requiring a psychiatric examination. The court suspended Hardy from practicing law until she provides proof of compliance and imposed related restrictions, continuing legal education requirements, and notification and filing obligations.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether respondent should be held in contempt for failing to obey the Master Commissioner's order and the Supreme Court of Ohio's order to appear.
- What sanctions and conditions should apply upon a finding of contempt.
Holdings
- Hardy was found in contempt for failing to obey the Master Commissioner's order requiring her to undergo a psychiatric examination and for failing to appear as ordered by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
- Hardy was suspended from the practice of law in Ohio until she filed proof that she had complied with the Master Commissioner's order to undergo a psychiatric examination.
Key quotations
“Respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law in Ohio until proof is filed with this court that respondent has complied with the master commissioner’s order to undergo a psychiatric examination.” ({¶ 2})
Factual background
Hardy failed to obey a Master Commissioner's order requiring her to undergo a psychiatric examination. The Supreme Court of Ohio ordered her to appear on March 21, 2012, in connection with the contempt motion, but she did not appear.
Procedural history
A Master Commissioner ordered Hardy to undergo a psychiatric examination. After Hardy failed to comply, the Cincinnati Bar Association moved for contempt. The Supreme Court of Ohio granted the motion, found Hardy in contempt, and suspended her from the practice of law until she proved compliance with the commissioner's order.