In Re John M. Webster

This is an appeal from an order entered by the District Court of Guam, striking the name of John M. Webster from the roll of attorneys authorized to practice law in Guam. Six grounds for reversal are urged, five of which lack sufficient merit to warrant discussion. The one contention which we will discuss is that too many judges participated in the court hearing.

The order of disbarment was entered in disciplinary proceedings which began when the committee referred to in note 1 received a written complaint that Webster, a practicing attorney in Guam, had misappropriated funds belonging to a client. The committee conducted a hearing pursuant to Government Code of Guam, section 28005. Based upon the evidence received and arguments presented at that hearing, the committee found, in effect, that the charges were true. The committee reported its findings to the district court and requested that appropriate action be taken to disbar or suspend Webster from practicing law in Guam.

Responsive to this committee report and recommendation, the district court issued an order requiring Webster to show cause in the district court, on a designated date, why he should not be disciplined. This…