5 years ago this month:

• The California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly admonished a judge for causing a traffic collision while driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Public Admonishment of Doyle (California Commission on Judicial Performance October 21, 2010).

• The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge who failed to disqualify himself from cases involving his nephews, his employers’ sons, and his co-justice. In the Matter of Menard, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 13, 2010).

• Accepting an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge who told the town board that, unless his salary was increased, he would not preside over the court dates scheduled by his former co-justice and would dismiss the cases scheduled on the next date. In the Matter of Peters, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 6, 2010).

• Based on an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge who operated a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. In the Matter of Martineck, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 12, 2010).

• Based on an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge who (1) failed to appear for sentencing on a dog-running-at-large violation and failed for 7 months to pay the fine imposed; (2) served simultaneously as judge and court clerk of the same court; and (3) participated in fund-raising on behalf of her and her son’s sports teams. In the Matter of Post, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 12, 2010).

• Based on an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Commission publicly admonished a judge who failed to disqualify himself from a harassment case when he was acquainted with the defendant and the alleged victim and had personal knowledge of the underlying facts. In the Matter of Trickler, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 7, 2010).

• Accepting an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge who intervened in an impending proceeding involving his business tenant and a long-time acquaintance and suggested and promoted a financial settlement rather than disqualify himself from the criminal case. In the Matter of Dugan, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 6, 2010).