10 years ago this month:

• The California Commission on Judicial Performance removed a judge who (1) made improper comments about pending cases during appearances on a television program; (2) acted as a private arbitrator during the filming of a pilot that was used to market and promote a proposed new syndicated “reality” series; and (3) in 4 unrelated criminal cases, interfered with the defendants’ constitutional rights to counsel and fair hearings and against self-incrimination and abused his judicial authority, becoming embroiled in 2 of the cases. Inquiry Concerning Ross, Decision and Order (California Commission on Judicial Performance November 16, 2005).
• Based on an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct censured a judge who, in several family court cases, neglected to inform litigants of their statutory right to counsel and made rude and demeaning remarks to litigants. In the Matter of Assini, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct November 18, 2005).
• The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct discontinued a proceeding against a former judge who admitted he could not defend charges based on his suspension from the practice of law for conversion of client funds; the judge had resigned and affirmed that he will neither seek nor accept judicial office at any time in the future. In the Matter of DiStefano, Decision and Order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct November 16, 2005).
• Approving an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct censured a judge who, in 703 cases, routinely imposed fines based on the original charges, rather than the charges to which the defendants pled guilty, resulting in fines that exceeded the legal maximum by amounts ranging from $2 to $320. In the Matter of Pisaturo, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct November 18, 2005).
• Based on a stipulation, the Utah Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge for telling an attorney in court during a hearing that the attorney was raising the “Clinton defense” and related remarks. In re Kwan, Order of Reprimand (Utah Supreme Court November 1, 2005).