Original Article Dec 7, 12:12 PM EST Arizona Supreme Court denies murderer's bid to become lawyer By MICHELLE ROBERTS Associated Press Writer PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a convicted murderer who graduated from law school could not be admitted to the State Bar because he didn't show good moral character. James Hamm, who served 17 years in prison for shooting one of two men killed in a drug-related robbery, had asked the court to allow him to practice law even though the State Bar of Arizona had recommended against his application, citing the seriousness of the crime he committed and his failure to own up to his past. The court heard oral arguments in October but unanimously sided Wednesday with the bar association. "Although this court has not adopted a per se rule excluding an applicant whose past includes such serious criminal misconduct, we agree with those jurisdictions that have held that an applicant with such a background must make an extraordinary showing of rehabilitation and present good moral character to be admitted to the practice of law," wrote Chief Justice Ruth McGregor. The court said it was concerned that Hamm had not taken full responsibility for his part in the Tucson murders. It also cited Hamm's failure to pay child support for a son he had before he was sent to prison.