A solicitor who arranges for a client to sign blank pages onto which an affidavit is later printed, and who falsely signs as witness, commits serious unprofessional conduct. However, where the affidavit contents are accurate, the conduct is not for financial gain, the practitioner makes immediate and frank disclosure, and there is a long record of good standing, the protection of the public may be met by suspension of the practising certificate rather than striking off. The practitioner's consent to striking off does not compel the court to make that order if a lesser sanction is appropriate.
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