Rob Ford might not be mayor of Toronto by this time next week.

Ford’s fate in a conflict of interest hearing will be revealed at 10 a.m. Monday.

Among the possible scenarios, Justice Charles Hackland could decide Ford has breached the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and must be removed from office. Hackland also has the option of banning Ford from running in the next election.

Hackland’s decision will probably be distributed through fax or email. No courtroom has been booked.

Well-known constitutional lawyer Clayton Ruby challenged Ford in Superior Court 2½ months ago. Ruby has alleged Ford broke the law at a council meeting earlier this year, when he spoke and then voted on an item concerning donations to his football charity.

Previously, the city’s integrity commissioner had ordered Ford to repay $3,150 worth of donations to his football foundation, which he solicited from lobbyists using city letterhead. Ford never did. At the February meeting at the centre of this case, council — including the mayor — voted to remove that sanction.

Ruby, who is representing politically active Toronto resident Paul Magder, argued that, having served more than a decade in elected office, Ford should have known that politicians must declare a conflict when they stand to financially benefit.

Ford’s defence attorney, Alan Lenczner, argued that the integrity commissioner never had the authority to hand down a financial penalty in the first place.

Ford testified that, had he realized he was in conflict, he “probably” would not have voted.

Legal experts are split on what Hackland will conclude. Many feel that the facts against Ford are strong, however judges are very reluctant to remove elected officials. The fact that this is over money going to charity makes the optics even more challenging.

“He has clearly breached the act. There is no question. The only question is whether (Ford will be let off) because the amount is so small. There is an exception for an insignificant amount of money,” municipal law specialist John Mascarin told the Star in September. “I’d be surprised if Judge Hackland (accepts that argument) though.”

Mascarin is referring to the fact that Hackland could find Ford in breach of the law, but also that the amount of money is so small it’s not appropriate to remove him. Politicians have been removed for significantly less, however.

Hackland could also accept Ford’s defence that he didn’t realize he was in conflict, which is another exemption.