Handcuffing of mental patient prompts complaint May 13, 2008
Chambers argues that Wester was trying to make a point by ordering the man be left at the hospital, and that doing so showed a disregard for basic human decency and judicial ethics. He goes on to say that the judge improperly "leap-frogged" other judges who have committed people to the state hospital, but had to delay their placement because of the waiting list to get in. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Court blocked from case: Too many investments May 13, 2008
New York University law professor Stephen Gillers, an expert on judicial ethics, said he expects this issue to arise from time to time. "Whether it's family relationships or wealth, this is going to happen," Gillers said. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
New New York Inspector General Apr 23, 2008
He also serves on the advisory committee on judicial ethics. This fills the spot left after Kristine Hamman resigned earlier this month. (FOX23 News, NY)
Massey Wins Latest Round With Harman Apr 4, 2008
West Virginia's highest court ruled in favor of Massey Energy Co., the country's fourth biggest coal company by revenue, in a high-profile case that raised questions about judicial ethics when photographs surfaced earlier this year of the court's chief justice and Massey's CEO vacationing together. Lawyers for the losing coal company, Harman Mining Co., plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that another justice shouldn't have heard the case because Massey's CEO Don Blankenship spent... (Wall Street Journal)
Pfizer, Exxon Suffer From U.S. Supreme Court Justices Who Own Their Shares Mar 8, 2008
When we have a 4-4 decision, it creates uncertainty in the law,'' said , an expert on judicial ethics at George Mason University's law school in Fairfax, Virginia. We know it's important enough for the court to take, but we don't know the answer. (Bloomberg)
Private Shingle On A Public Court Mar 1, 2008
The probate administrator repeatedly nagged Guliani to return a long overdue video, "Judicial Ethics and the Administration of Justice.". Three different probate administrators tried and failed to resolve the problems. (FOX61, CT)
Former DA Agreed to Open Secret JFK Docs for Movie Feb 25, 2008
Robert Schuwerk, a law professor at the University of Houston, said he wasn't sure Wade's actions violated judicial ethics but seemed questionable. "After you've left office and want to write your memoirs, that's one thing," he said. (Fox News)
Attorney for Porter fund invested money in own firm Feb 19, 2008
Anybody who is handling funds for someone else is required to avoid self-dealing, said Steven Lubet, a Northwestern University School of Law professor who focuses on judicial ethics. That's an obligation of all fiduciaries. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Speaker's divorce not final? Feb 14, 2008
In an interview Wednesday, apparently before he talked to the AP, Osborne told the newspaper that judicial ethics rules prohibit him from making any public comment on the case. He did not respond to messages from the newspaper later Wednesday. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Judges' work speaks for itself Feb 11, 2008
CYNTHIA GRAYChicagoThe writer is director of the Center for Judicial Ethics of the American Judicature Society. Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Judges must exhibit high sense of integrity-CJ Jan 30, 2008
Besides, the Judicial Training Institute, organised a training course for the magistrates in selected core subjects including juvenile justice, civil procedure practice, judicial ethics as well as having fruitful interactions with distinguish judges, lawyers in private practice and academia to deepen their understanding of what was expected of them. 29 Jan 08. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Supreme Court Denies Review of Enron Case Jan 23, 2008
Kennedy did not recuse from the Court's action in the case Tuesday and was not required to, according to Steven Lubet, a judicial ethics expert at Northwestern University School of Law. As a pensioner, Lubet said, Mary Kennedy is essentially a creditor without an ownership interest in the system, and the outcome of the case would not affect her financially. (Law.com)
Ex-prosecutor denies withholding evidence in murder case Jan 10, 2008
The state's canons of judicial ethics prohibit judges from making public comments about pending proceedings in any court. Dubria, 44, is serving life in prison without parole for the Aug. 16, 1991, death of Jennifer Klapper, 20, of Cincinnati at the Allstar Inn in Carlsbad. (North County Times)
Apparent murder suicide prompts review on why convict was freed Jan 8, 2008
A court spokesman said Fisher could not comment on the case because it would violate judicial ethics rules. District attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said it was not immediately clear whether prosecutors saw the recommendation in court that day. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Bribery case stemming from Katrina lawsuits makes waves Dec 29, 2007
Lackey, a member of the state's judicial ethics board, did not return phone messages left at his office. On Nov. 28, a grand jury indicted Scruggs; his son, Zachary; Balducci; and two other associates. (Yahoo News -- Tropical Storms and Hurricanes)
Anti-War Protester Settles Suit Over Incident at Bush Event Dec 11, 2007
Defense lawyers filed a motion demanding that Pratter recuse herself, arguing that judicial ethics require judges to step aside in cases where they have personal knowledge of disputed facts. "Members of the public unfamiliar with Judge Pratter might question her failure to realize that she was at President Bush's private dinner when she entered numerous rulings in this case," the defense motion said. (Law.com)
Lawyers recommend public reprimand for judge Dec 11, 2007
CONCORD Lawyers are recommending that New Hampshire Superior Court Judge be publicly reprimanded for violating judicial ethics and be allowed to remain on the bench ... Coffey told the Judicial Conduct Committee Monday morning that it did not occur to her when she and her husband created a family trust that changing ownership of real estate would affect judicial ethics. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Panel: Bench judge, don't just reprimand Dec 11, 2007
A former member of the committee, she said it did not occur to her when she and her husband created a family trust that changing ownership of real estate would be considered a violation of judicial ethics, but had since realized her error. "Anyone who knows me and how I work knows that I have often said that one is a judge 24 hours a day, and I surely should have thought of that myself. I did not; I made a mistake in not considering the potential ramifications of setting up the trust," she said. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Ziegler to hear case funded by an election supporter Nov 29, 2007
Wisconsin judicial ethics rules say judges must disqualify themselves from participating in cases when a reasonable person would question their ability to be impartial. The argument could certainly be made that it would be reasonable to question her impartiality in this case, said James Sample, counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Panel to hear arguments in case of sitting Supreme Court justice Nov 19, 2007
The case will require Ziegler s colleagues on the court to decide whether she should be removed for violating the state s code of judicial ethics while working as a Washington County circuit judge. The Supreme Court has never disciplined one of its own members and a justice has never been on the court amid an ongoing investigation. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Judge admits conduct violations; hearing to be held on discipline Nov 1, 2007
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Suspended Superior Court Judge Patricia Coffey has agreed that she violated judicial ethics rules by helping shield her husband's assets from creditors as he was being disbarred two years ago. The Judicial Conduct Committee accepted Coffey's agreement and declared on Wednesday that the case against her had been resolved, except for discipline. (Concord Monitor)
Let judge in Nichols case do his job Oct 31, 2007
An investigative committee, however, would have to overcome a significant hurdle before it could even recommend impeachment: It will have to find evidence that Fuller has actually violated judicial ethics. Superior Court judges have wide latitude in criminal cases, and it does not appear that Fuller has done anything improper. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
What if a judge is the one in trouble? Oct 27, 2007
It s very unusual, said James Alfini is the dean of the South Texas College of Law and wrote the book on judicial ethics. Like the clergy, it s expected they ll be beyond reproach. (KHOU.com, TX)
SH city judge resigns Sep 22, 2007
Judge Alan E. Glenn issued his opinion in March as chair of the Judicial Ethics Committee of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals that Gordon s jurisdiction as city judge was limited to alleged violations of city ordinances, and Gordon was not precluded by his position as city judge. Mayor Danny Leverette said Columbia attorney Jason Whatley was ratified Sept. 10 by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen as Gordon s replacement. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Issue of 'Strategic Recusals' Arises in Key Supreme Court Case Aug 18, 2007
The notion of justices "unrecusing" and re-entering a case strikes some as attempting to unring a bell, and it is causing discomfort among some judicial ethics experts ... Without commenting on any specific case, judicial ethics expert Ronald Rotunda says he does not think judges should be allowed to recuse and unrecuse ... Steven Lubet, a judicial ethics expert at Northwestern University School of Law, is less critical. (Law.com)
AJS Elects Minnesota Judge as President Aug 17, 2007
"The Society's unique partnership among citizens, lawyers and judges has been a catalyst for significant improvements in judicial administration, merit selection of judges and judicial ethics. I look forward to helping expand the leadership of AJS in parts of the world where development of an independent judiciary is an important goal." "Judge Tunheim is an ideal choice to lead AJS," remarked Neal R. Sonnett, Immediate Past President of AJS. "His work in the United States and around the world to... (PR Newswire)
Uproar over gays and soccer in macho Brazil Aug 15, 2007
The ruling prompted the government body that oversees judicial ethics in Brazil to demand an explanation from the judge, who has until Friday to respond. The judge, who did not respond to repeated requests for interviews, abruptly voided his initial ruling last week, saying a different court has jurisdiction. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Judge in Herald case asks early retirement Aug 2, 2007
But Governor Deval Patrick yesterday immediately rejected the appeal from Murphy, who is facing judicial ethics charges because of letters he wrote to Herald publisher Patrick J. Purcell after the verdict, demanding more money ... Last month, the Judicial Conduct Commission filed charges against Murphy with the SJC, asserting he violated judicial ethics standards when, after the initial verdict, he sent Purcell a handwritten note requesting a private meeting to discuss getting more money from... (Boston Globe)
Suspended magistrate sues Supreme Court Aug 1, 2007
Later that year, the Supreme Court suspended Toler for four years and fined him $20,000 for violating judicial ethics canons. In a lawsuit filed last week in Kanawha Circuit Court, Toler alleges that the Supreme Court overstepped its bounds when it suspended him after his acquittal. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Judge reviews Carlsbad murder conviction Jul 25, 2007
A section of the state's canons of judicial ethics prohibits judges from making any public comments about any pending proceedings in any court. Deputy District Attorney Richard Armstrong of the district attorney's appellate division said Tuesday that prosecutors will file a response with the court. (North County Times)
Ark. judge says ethics panel, staff should be barred from hearing Jul 20, 2007
But he said the judicial ethics panel and staffers are clearly biased against him, and shouldn't be involved in the matter. Griffen asked the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission to disqualify itself, as well as director David Stewart and deputy director Frank J. Wills III, from his Aug. 23-24 hearing. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
N.J. Ethics Panel Finds Judge Abused Office by Interceding in Son's Dispute, Urges Censure Jul 13, 2007
New Jersey's high tribunal for judicial ethics transgressions says censure is the appropriate discipline for State Supreme Court Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto for misusing his office to advance a personal interest. The Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, in a issued Wednesday, found Rivera-Soto violated canons of ethics and a court rule by speaking to police, prosecutors and court officials about a criminal case in which his son was the complaining witness. (Law.com)
United States Jul 12, 2007
Judge Moore's defiance did not impress the supreme court in Washington, which decided he had violated the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics and, as he had given no assurance that he would not do it again, ordered his removal from office. The state ethics panel duly ruled: "We are faced with a situation in which the highest judicial officer of this state has decided to defy a court order." Even so, there were some in the state court who wanted him to stay. (Guardian Unlimited)
Judges step up feud, courthouse cringes May 30, 2007
Kathy Hardcastle had participated in her husband's campaign, something Hardcastle was eventually chastised for after Halverson's complaint by the Commission on Judicial Ethics and Election Practices. The Clark County District Court in 1999 adopted the so-called "strong chief judge" model that Hardcastle has been using. (Las Vegas Sun)
Exonerated by DNA, guilty in official's eyes May 28, 2007
Steven Lubet, professor of law at Northwestern University and an expert on judicial ethics, called McGrath's testimony "a hyperextreme form of advocacy that would be inconsistent with the obligations of a judge once someone was on the bench.". Peter Neufeld, a lawyer for Bromgard who questioned McGrath at the deposition, characterized McGrath's answers as "the most remote, absurd, speculative theories to explain evidence that otherwise ... exonerates Mr. Bromgard.". (FOX59, IN)
Coalinga judge chastened by state May 24, 2007
The commission's report cited 10 incidents in which it found Petrucelli violated the California Code of Judicial Ethics. Among them: At a February 2006 traffic hearing, the report said, Petrucelli implicitly threatened a CHP officer who told the judge a fellow officer would not be present to testify in a speeding case that day. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Group files complaint against judge for improper courtroom conduct May 17, 2007
There is no timetable on a judicial ethics case, and the punishment if found guilty could range anywhere from a reprimand to permanent removal from the bench, McBrien said. Colleen Maxwell can be reached at. (The State News, MI)
Va. Tech killer never treated May 8, 2007
Special justice Paul Barnett, who ordered the treatment, said judicial ethics prevent him from talking about Cho's case. On Dec. 13, 2005, Cho e-mailed a roommate at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg saying that Cho might as well commit suicide. (Newsday -- Nation)
New Information about Virginia Tech Shooter May 8, 2007
Special justice Paul Barnett, who ordered the treatment, said judicial ethics prevent him from talking about Cho's case. School officials did not return calls seeking comment. (WTVR.com, VA)
Rogers sworn in as chief justice after legislature confirms nomination Apr 29, 2007
The state's Judicial Review Council later found Sullivan had violated the canon of judicial ethics. Sullivan, who admitted before the Judiciary Committee in March 2007 that he had hoped to keep lawmakers from learning about the decision until after Zarella was confirmed, apologized for his actions. (Journal Inquirer, CT)
Business Calendar Apr 24, 2007
Attorney Frederic K. Upton of counsel to Upton & Hatfield LLP, and a member of the N.H. Advisory Committee of Judicial Ethics, will receive the 2007 Frank Rowe Kenison Award and Attorney Joceline D. Champagne, coordinator of the Low Income Taxpayer Project at the N.H. Pro Bono Referral Program, will receive the Robert E. Kirby Award. For details, visit www. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Company Does Damage Control After GC Says Judges Are 'Paid Off' Apr 20, 2007
"Judge Schwartz regrets that she is unable to provide comment at this time. The canons of judicial ethics prohibit judges from commenting on any pending case.". But Michael Tein, a Coconut Grove, Fla. (Law.com)
Judge speaks out on illegal immigration Apr 15, 2007
After reviewing judicial ethics guidelines, Stevens said he deemed it appropriate to comment on an issue involving the administration of justice. As a state judge, he doesn t think a case involving immigration would ever come before him, but if one did, he would consider recusing himself. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Week in review Apr 15, 2007
They reported them on statements of financial interest, but some experts on judicial ethics say the cases underscore the need for Pennsylvania to join the majority of states in adopting a ban on judges accepting gifts from special interests. Slots license rules eased. (Scranton Times, PA)
Childers case roils court Apr 13, 2007
Appointed to the court in 1991 by Gov. Lawton Chiles, Kahn is considered an expert on judicial ethics and teaches at the Florida State University College of Law. He has twice chaired the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee ... Sure sounds like this guy is an expert with judicial ethics. (Pensacola News Journal)
N.Y. Chief Justice Says Judiciary Is Prepared to Sue to Obtain Raises Apr 10, 2007
In February, the court system's Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics advised judges not to recuse themselves from cases in which state legislators or their firms are representing parties before them solely because of the failure of judicial pay bills to pass in Albany. Judge Lippman, who said he had gotten inquiries from judges who acknowledged being approached by other judges to recuse themselves, had asked the committee to give the opinion. (Law.com)
Ban judicial gifts; appoint by merit Apr 10, 2007
The American Bar Association model code for judicial ethics also proscribes most gifts. The Pennsylvania code covering judicial conduct is silent on the issue of gifts, although state law requires financial disclosure. (Scranton Times, PA)
Today's Business Calendar Apr 10, 2007
Attorney Frederic K. Upton, of counsel to Upton & Hatfield, LLP, and a member of the NH Advisory Committee of Judicial Ethics, will receive the 2007 Frank Rowe Kenison Award at the dinner, and Attorney Joceline D. Champagne, coordinator of the Low Income Taxpayer Project at the NH Pro Bono Referral Program, will receive the Robert E. Kirby Award. For more information, visit online www. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
2005 DEPOSITION: Lawyer links judge to scheme Apr 8, 2007
Also, if the allegation against Mosley is true, the judge violated judicial ethics, she said. "You can't falsify documents to a court, and, if a judge had any kind of role in a plan to do that, that is going to be a breach of his ethical responsibilities in that it could be a crime," Rosenbluth said. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
Chief justice nominee sails through hearing Apr 7, 2007
An advocate of creating a mentor system in which more senior judges would assist junior colleagues, Rogers also said it's time to update the canons of judicial ethics and provide judges with "a more formal resource" to get answers to ethics-related questions. Rogers said she had been unaware of the controversial practice of "super-sealing" cases, in which lawsuits were deemed so secret that their existence could not even be confirmed, until the Judicial Department issued a directive banning it. (Journal Inquirer, CT)
Chief justice nominee responds to questions about Sullivan Apr 6, 2007
Sullivan, who retired in April 2006 and took senior judge status, was later suspended for 15 days for violating judicial ethics codes. The controversy led to the creation of two task forces, one by Rell and the other by acting Chief Justice David M. Borden. (Newsday -- State)
State panel admonishes judge Apr 5, 2007
The commission found that State Supreme Court Justice Marion T. McNulty, 56, ran afoul of judicial ethics rules in 2003, 2005 and 2006 with her "open and extensive" fundraising activities for Decision, Women in Commerce and Professions, a Port Jefferson-based networking group she joined in 1987. The commission's determination, which McNulty has agreed to not challenge, said the judge "should have recognized that her highly visible participation in the fundraising activities, as well as her... (Newsday)
Panel backs filing change for judgeships Mar 31, 2007
Justice Mark Gibbons said if the filing deadline were moved up to January, the court would modify the canons of judicial ethics and prevent candidates who did not draw any opponents from soliciting campaign contributions. In last year's election, 60 percent of judicial candidates ran without opposition, he said. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
High Court Advocate Ken Starr Is Justices' Summer Employer Mar 27, 2007
Mark Goodman, director of the Student Press Law Center, which filed a brief on the side of the student, says the justices' employment by Pepperdine "certainly raises questions about the appearance of conflict." Two judicial ethics experts contacted by Legal Times, however, say the facts are not grounds for recusal ... One judicial ethics expert points to a 1985 decision by Judge Richard Posner of the 7th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals ordering a federal trial judge to recuse in a pending trial... (Law.com)
Federal Judges' Travel Info Slow to Appear, Group Says Mar 22, 2007
WASHINGTON A new requirement that promptly tell the public about their expense-paid trips has so far produced no disclosures, a judicial ethics watchdog group said Wednesday ... Doug Kendall, executive director of the Community Rights Counsel, the judicial ethics watchdog group, said he scoured nearly 200 federal court Web sites without finding any reports of travel ... The new reporting requirements were intended to increase public confidence in judges' integrity and ward off proposals in... (Fox News -- Politics)
Kennedy Recuses From Antitrust Case Involving Son's Company Mar 21, 2007
Northwestern University judicial ethics expert Steven Lubet says that in such a situation the judge must recuse only if the relative is "known by the judge to have an interest" that would be substantially affected by the outcome of the case. Typically, if a relative of a judge is a salaried employee of a company in a case that falls short of life-or-death importance for that company, recusal is not required, Lubet says. (Law.com)
Mobile judge faces ethics charges; suspended pending outcome Mar 12, 2007
Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas has been suspended on judicial ethics charges accusing him of using his position improperly to help family and friends in trouble with the law. Alabama's Judicial Inquiry Commission cited Thomas with 15 violations of the state's canons of judicial ethics. (Shoals TimesDaily)
N.Y. Judges Advised Not to Link Recusals to Pay Dispute Mar 9, 2007
The New York court system's Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics has concluded that judges should not recuse themselves from cases where state legislators or members of their firms are representing parties before them solely because of the "long-standing issue of judicial salary increases pending before the Legislature." ... The judicial ethics committee, in concluding judges should not recuse themselves because the Legislature is considering the "long-standing issue" of pay raises, resolved... (Law.com)
Rell's Choice Hastily Made Mar 3, 2007
Tainted by Sullivan's actions, which the judicial review council later deemed to be a violation of judicial ethics, Zarella's nomination was withdrawn, giving the Republican governor one of her few political setbacks. Sullivan apologized to the committee for his actions last week without conceding he had violated judicial ethics. (FOX61, CT)
Zarella says high court isn't dysfunctional Mar 3, 2007
Sullivan, who now hears some cases as a retired justice, was suspended in November for 15 days after the state Judicial Review Council determined he violated the judicial ethics code. He is appealing that decision. (Newsday -- State)
Change how we select judges Feb 27, 2007
If approved, the judge served for life or until retirement, absent any crime or other violation of judicial ethics. Of course, when that system was proposed to the citizenry of the state, they cried bloody murder and the concept was abandoned. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Ontario judge to face review over alleged ethical breach Feb 23, 2007
"If a judge's rulings with respect to recusal are allowed to become the subject of investigations into judicial ethics and the basis for discipline or removal from office, this will encourage litigation tactics of intimidation which will undermine the security and independence of the judiciary and encourage judge-shopping," the submission warns ... "What is clear is that the trends in thinking about judicial ethics and standards of judicial conduct have evolved to recognize and embrace the... (Globe and Mail -- National)
Lindau Retiring from The Pilot Feb 23, 2007
This series involved interviews with a number of people connected with the case and reviewed judicial ethics and law-enforcement issues pertaining to civil rights violations. Lindau won another first place press award for spot news writing. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Attorney challenges plan because arbiter still is defendant in civil-rights case Feb 12, 2007
The judicial ethics complaint by Mrs. Ghawji against Fields, and the events that led to the filing of the civil-rights complaint against the judge, were prompted by the circumstances, rulings and decisions of the divorce case. "To reiterate, how can she rule when the parties involved, including the children whose custody she will decide, have sued her for violations of law and ethics?" Klayman asked in his letter to Bers, which was copied to the federal judge handling the civil-rights complaint. (WorldNetDaily)
A.B.A. Panel Would Weaken Code Governing Judges’ Conduct Feb 7, 2007
Individual states often look to the model code as a template for their own judicial ethics codes, violation of which can lead to punishment as severe as removal from the bench ... Cynthia Gray, the director of the Center for Judicial Ethics of the American Judicature Society, a nonpartisan group promoting judicial independence and integrity, questioned the commission;s strategy. (Foster's Daily Democrat)
