The Arkansas Supreme Court released a statement on Saturday charging former executive director of the Office of Professional Programs, Nancie Michelle Givens, with 65 felony counts of tampering with a public record. The charges stem from an investigation that uncovered irregularities in Arkansas Bar Examination scores between July 2020 and July 2025.
Alleged score manipulation
The court’s news release says evidence points to Givens removing points from some examinees’ scores and adding them to others. In at least one instance, a passing score was lowered to a failing grade, while in another a top‑scoring candidate’s result was reduced. Some scores were reportedly raised above the minimum passing threshold, allowing individuals to become licensed attorneys who otherwise would not have qualified.
Official response and next steps
Chief Justice Karen R. Baker called the alleged conduct “an unprecedented breach of public trust” if proven true. The Supreme Court has already implemented new testing procedures and security protocols in February 2026 to safeguard future examinations. The Office of Professional Conduct is reaching out to anyone who may have been impacted by the alleged tampering to verify results and offer assistance.
Impact on the legal community
Arkansas’ legal community relies on the integrity of the bar exam to ensure that only qualified, ethical individuals are admitted to the practice of law. The charges underscore the importance of rigorous oversight and transparent processes in maintaining public confidence in the state’s legal system.
What residents should know
Anyone who took the Arkansas bar exam between July 2020 and July 2025 and has questions about their score should contact the Office of Professional Conduct. The court encourages affected candidates to come forward so that any discrepancies can be addressed promptly.
The investigation and subsequent charges demonstrate the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the public trust in professional licensing processes.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
