25 years ago this month:

• The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court censured a judge for (1) making derogatory and obscene references about other judges to members of the bar; (2) a pattern of drinking to excess and urinating in public; (3) being less than candid and forthright before the Commission on Judicial Conduct; (4) setting unusually high bail for 4 black defendants after learning that a large number of black voters in Boston had voted for his brother’s opponent in the gubernatorial primary; and (5) maintaining a practice of confiscating, without adequate notice, the cash alternative bail funds of friends and relatives of non-defaulting defendants to satisfy their outstanding obligations. In the Matter of King, 568 N.E.2d 588 (Massachusetts 1991).
• The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct removed a judge for consistently failing to remit court funds promptly to the state comptroller and failing to cooperate with the Commission. In the Matter of Schwarting, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 15, 1991).
• Pursuant to an agreed statements of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct admonished a judge for showing hostility to the complaining witness in a criminal case and making rude, loud, and angry statements to a trooper and the prosecutor when they sought to protect her interests. In the Matter of Chase, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 15, 1991).
• Based on the judge’s agreement to resign and not seek or serve in any judicial office in the state without approval of the state supreme court, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct dismissed a complaint; the judge stipulated that he committed misconduct by procedural irregularities in violation of state law requirements; failing to provide interpreters in all matters involving non-English speaking defendants; failing to complete the lay-judge examination or mandatory-training requirements; and discussing pending cases with police officers outside the presence of the individuals charged. In re Heaton, Stipulation and Agreement and Order of Dismissal (Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 1, 1991).