Pennsylvania Code
Title 204 - JUDICIAL SYSTEM GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part V - PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT
Subpart C - DISCIPLINARY BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Chapter 89 - FORMAL PROCEEDINGS
Subchapter A - PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
GENERAL MATTERS
Section 89.1 - Construction of chapter

(a) General rule. This chapter is promulgated for the purpose of assisting the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the respondent-attorney and the Board to develop the facts relating to, and to reach a just and proper determination of, grievances brought to the attention of the Board. The Board recognizes the temptation in disciplinary matters to raise procedural defenses where substantive defenses would be unavailing and, therefore, the Board will not hold action of a hearing committee, hearing committee member or special master invalid by reason of any nonprejudicial irregularity, or for any error not resulting in a miscarriage of justice.

(b) Relationship to informal proceedings. The filing of a petition for discipline under this chapter shall be conclusive evidence that all conditions precedent thereto under Chapter 87 (relating to investigations and informal proceedings) have been satisfied. Failure to comply with any requirement of Chapter 87 shall not affect the validity of proceedings under this chapter and no proceeding or other matter under Chapter 87 shall be an issue in formal proceedings under this chapter.