The bar examining committee shall further have the duty, power and authority to provide for the examination of candidates for admission to the bar; to determine whether such candidates are qualified as to prelaw education, legal education, good moral character and fitness to practice law; and to recommend for admission to the bar qualified candidates.
Section 2-5.—Examination of Candidates for Admission
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule gives the bar examining committee the job of testing bar applicants, checking their education, character, and fitness, and recommending qualified candidates for admission.
Full Text of Section 2-5
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 13.) (Amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011; amended June 26, 2020, to take effect Jan. 1, 2021; amended June 10, 2022, to take effect Jan. 1, 2023.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 2-5 spells out the core mission of Connecticut's bar examining committee. The committee runs the examination process for people seeking admission to the bar, and it decides whether each candidate meets four separate standards: prelaw education, legal education, good moral character, and fitness to practice law.
Once a candidate clears those hurdles, the committee's job is to recommend that candidate for admission. The rule doesn't set the specific educational requirements or describe the exam itself — it establishes the committee's authority to handle the whole screening process, from start to recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the bar examining committee decide?
It decides whether a candidate has the right prelaw and legal education, has good moral character, and is fit to practice law — then recommends qualified candidates for admission.
Does Section 2-5 set the passing score or exam format?
No. The rule establishes the committee’s authority to examine and evaluate candidates; it doesn’t spell out exam mechanics, which the committee handles through its own regulations.
Is good moral character part of the bar exam itself?
Good moral character and fitness to practice law are separate qualifications the committee evaluates alongside educational credentials — not part of the written exam.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 2-5). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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