The California Supreme Court said Monday it will exercise its authority over the state bar “to ensure a thorough and independent investigation” is conducted into how essay topics for this week’s bar exam were accidentally provided to 16 law school deans Thursday.

“The court understands and shares the concerns that this disclosure has generated,” the justices said in a statement. The court will make sure “that appropriate steps are taken to protect the integrity of the bar examination and identify and address any consequences.”