Disciplinary council and penalties possible
The Disciplinary council is composed of three persons: the chairman, who is an advocate appointed by the government, and two notaries appointed by the Conseil d'administration of the Order. It is an independent administrative tribunal of the Order, which is subject to rules of procedure similar to those of regular tribunals. It hears complaints which are lodged against a notary. Any person summoned to testify before it may be assisted by an advocate.
The hearings of the Disciplinary council are public, with some exceptions.
If, at the conclusion of proceedings, a notary is found guilty of the offence charged, the Disciplinary council may impose penalties, which vary with the seriousness of the offence. Penalties range from a reprimand, to a fine, to the temporary or permanent striking off the roll.