Also known as: improperly · unsuitable · inappropriate
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adjective describing conduct, purpose, influence, or a threat that falls outside the bounds permitted by applicable legal rules, ethical standards, or contractual obligations.
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Isla Ireland filed a complaint against her former employer solely to pressure a quick settlement on an unrelated personal dispute. The court sanctioned her attorney because the pleading was presented for an improper purpose.
Ismael Ibrahim testified that the defendant committed the robbery. Defense counsel implied on cross-examination that the witness had recently fabricated the account due to a bribe. The prosecution introduced the witness's earlier consistent statement to rebut the charge of recent improper influence.
Ingrid Innes told a city official that she could secure a zoning variance for the client's project because of her close relationship with the mayor. The disciplinary board found that the statement improperly implied an ability to influence a government official.
Integrity Partners threatened to report its former employee to the district attorney for alleged embezzlement unless the employee signed a broad release of all claims. The court held the threat improper and voided the resulting settlement agreement.
Ines Ibarra leased a warehouse that developed severe roof leaks rendering it unusable for storage. She applied a portion of the rent to hire contractors to repair the leaks, asserting the landlord's inaction created an improper condition under the lease. The court recognized her right to cure the improper condition using rent funds.
Iain Irons, trustee of a family trust, misrepresented the trust's financial condition to obtain a beneficiary's written release of claims against him. The release was set aside because the beneficiary's consent was induced by the trustee's improper conduct.
The court examines the objective circumstances surrounding the filing, including whether the paper was presented to harass, cause delay, or increase litigation costs. Sanctions may follow even without subjective bad faith if the purpose is objectively improper.
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The statement is admissible when the opponent has expressly or impliedly charged that the witness's testimony resulted from a recent improper influence or motive. The statement must be consistent with the trial testimony and offered for the limited rehabilitative purpose.
…not could not be a confidential fact; it is a fact which all the world have a right to know. If he thought any of the questions improper he might state his objections. Mr. Lincoln prayed time till the next day to consider his answers and the court granted it. The next morning Mr. Lincoln said he had no objection to answer…
…not, and that the case is not now moot. I The principal thrust of appellant's attack on the Texas statutes is that they improperly invade a right, said to be possessed by a pregnant woman, to choose to terminate her pregnancy. Appellant would discover this right in the concept of personal "liberty" embodied in the…
…the demand of Governor John Patterson of Alabama, who asserted that the publication charged him with "grave misconduct and . . . improper actions and omissions as Governor of Alabama and Ex-Officio Chairman of the State Board of Education of Alabama." When asked to explain why there had been a retraction for the Governor but…
…would otherwise have against the trust company, either as trustee of the common fund or as trustee of any individual trust, for improper
…review, an appeal may be permitted. The unique circumstances of this case make the traditional contempt avenue particularly inappropriate
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A lawyer violates the rule by stating or implying that personal connections or other means outside the Rules of Professional Conduct will produce a favorable result from an agency or official. The prohibition targets both express claims and subtle suggestions of improper access.
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A threat is improper if it involves a crime or tort, a criminal prosecution, or other conduct that the law condemns. Courts examine whether the threatened act itself would be wrongful if carried out to obtain the desired contractual result.
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The tenant may use rent to eliminate the unsuitable condition to the extent permitted by the governing Restatement section. This remedy operates alongside damages, rent abatement, and withholding, subject to the lease terms and statutory limits.
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A consent, release, or ratification is ineffective if induced by the trustee's improper conduct, such as misrepresentation or undue pressure. The beneficiary must show that the trustee's actions caused the beneficiary to act without full knowledge or free will.
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