(a) General rule.--By presenting to the court, whether by signing, filing, submitting or later advocating, a pleading, written motion or other papers regarding a petition for collateral relief, an attorney or unrepresented party is certifying that, to the best of the person's knowledge, information and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances, the following:
(1) it is not being presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation;
(2) the claims and other legal contentions in it are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for extension, modification or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law; and
(3) the allegations and other factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, are likely to have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation.
(b) Sanctions.--If, after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the court determines that this section has been violated, the court may impose an appropriate sanction on the attorneys, law firms or parties that have violated this section.
Suspension by Court Order. Section 9579 was suspended August 11, 1997, S.Ct. Order.