Opinion
Opinion Delivered January 11, 2007
On November 30, 2006, we issued a per curiam mandating that the Multi-state Essay Examination (MEE) be utilized as a testing vehicle for all eight essay questions given during the Arkansas Bar Examination. The Executive Secretary to the Board of Law Examiners now advises that such a change is not possible under the current testing format utilized in this state. Particularly, the MEE and Multi-state Performance Test (MPT), which is already a part of the current testing format, must be given on the same day. Thus, it is not possible to administer two MPT questions as well as eight MEE essay questions in the course of a single day.
The Board remains persuaded that utilization of the MEE is an appropriate course of action. Accordingly, we amend our per curiam of November 30, 2006, to make the use of the MEE permissive rather than mandatory. The Board of Law Examiners may utilize the MEE for essay questions to the extent it can do so under the current testing regimen. The Board is directed to reconsider this matter and report to the Court at the earliest opportunity.