A Summary of California Bar Exam Chapter Six Violations

A Brief Summary of California Bar Exam Chapter Six Violations

Almost every student who has taken or plans to take the California Bar Exam has heard the words “Chapter Six Violations.” So, what exactly is a chapter six violation, and should you be concerned? Well, the answer used to have a more clear-cut explanation. However, now that students have taken the California Bar Exam remotely due to COVID-19, the issue has gotten much more complex. Long story short, you definitely don’t want to receive a chapter six violation when taking the California Bar Exam. We discuss some of the chapter six violations in more detail below.

A Brief Summary of California Bar Exam Chapter Six Violations

What Is A Chapter Six Violation?

A chapter six violation is a heavy penalty assessed due to a student’s conduct during the California Bar Exam. For example, students caught possessing a prohibited item, such as a cellphone, receive a chapter six violation. Another example of a chapter six violation may involve a student writing or changing answers past the designated time.  Some of the more interesting reasons behind chapter six violations are not as obvious. These include an apparent lack of effort on the exam or having unpermitted food and/or beverages. Depending on the reasoning behind the chapter six violation, various penalties are assessed. For example, a student may be given a warning, given a zero score, and/or given permanent negative moral character feedback.

Can You Appeal A Chapter Six Violation?

Depending on the offense warranting the chapter six violation, students may be eligible for an administrative hearing with the State Bar of California. For example, students caught possessing an unpermitted electronic device, such as an Apple Watch, are not eligible for a hearing. In short, the violation is indisputable. Students caught possessing study aids, such as notes or outlines, are also not eligible. Students who upload answer files after the designated deadline are not eligible. However, students receiving a chapter six violation for writing before or after the appropriate time are eligible for a hearing. Likewise, students who are disruptive during the exam and receive a chapter six violation are eligible for a hearing.

Chapter Six Violations Amidst Remote Testing

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the testing world upside down, and the California Bar Exam was no exception. For decades, the California Bar Exam had always been administered in person at a designated testing center. However, all of that was understandably put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students shifted from taking the exam in-person to taking the California Bar Exam remotely.

Understandably, the Committee of Bar Examiners revised protocols to maintain the authenticity and character of the test. However, for guidelines governing chapter six violations, many students felt an additional layer of pressure during the exam. Since the Committee records students during remote administrations, many students felt like they had to be statues to avoid chapter six violations. The worst part? During remote administrations, the State Bar of California alerts students of chapter six violations weeks after the exam. During in-person tests, students receive violations on the spot.

For example, remote administrations prohibit students from leaving the camera frame during the test. They also prohibit other individuals from entering the student’s room during the exam. Having papers or books within view or reach of the student’s desk in the exam room is also off-limits. Lastly, equipment that makes noise in the exam room, like a printer, also warrants a chapter six violation. All of the rules governing chapter six violations coupled with remote test-taking only made many students more nervous for the bar exam!

JD Advising’s Advice For Remote Test-Takers

If you’re taking the California Bar Exam remotely, do everything in your power to avoid the suspicion of anything unpermitted.  If something unexpected happens, like someone walking into your room during the test, we do have some advice. First, try to end the questionable act as quickly as possible. Second, explain to the camera exactly what just happened and what you did to solve the situation. Third, contact the California State Bar after the exam and explain what happened, and why it was out of your control.

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