Did You Cheat On the Bar Exam? You Might Win a Prize If So!

Above the Law recently posted an interesting article that stated "you may win a cheap prize if you are a narc."  It seems that the California State Bar wants to know if anyone has cheated on the exam.  I can't imagine doing so.  When I took the New York Bar exam a few years ago, I could not so much as turn my head to the left or to the right without feeling that, if I even looked as if I was cheating, I could kiss my legal career goodbye.  Of course, I do not practice law, and it does not matter now.  However, cheating on the bar exam is absurd.  

Lately I have been reading the book "As a Man Thinketh" and highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to develop their character in ways that are rarely seen in today's world.  Those who cheat may get a short term gain in life, or pass the bar when they otherwise may have failed.  However, in the long run, cheating is addictive and only brings about failure.  Honestly, how good can you feel about yourself if you pass the bar but had to cheat to do so?  Sorry, I don't mean to turn this into a lecture.  I just wanted to share an article.  

"We are seeking to improve the online exam administration process, and gathering feedback from examinees is the best source for that. [The bar] hopes to receive valid responses about cheating. Survey data will be treated confidentially; we never claimed that it was anonymous. We plan to analyze and use the data in aggregate form; never reporting back in a manner that would identify a specific individual.

— Teresa Ruano, spokeswoman for the California State Bar, commenting on a survey that was sent to those who took the online administration of the bar exam two weeks ago. The survey asks applicants about their “remote bar exam experience” from software difficulties to the availability of tech support. The survey also asks them if they cheated on the test or know of anyone who said they did. Respondents can select “yes,” “no” or “prefer not to answer.” A message from bar interim director Donna Hershkowitz accompanies the survey, and she notes, “Your responses will be kept in the strictest confidence. Comments you make may be included in summaries about this examination administration, but we will not attribute your comments to you, and individually identifiable survey responses will not be shared with state bar examiners.” Those who took the bar exam after offered the chance to win $50 gift cards if they send in their responses.