20 years ago this month:

• Affirming the recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Performance, the Mississippi Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge and fined him $1500 for releasing 4 prisoners after ex parte communications with individuals suggesting or requesting their release. Commission on Judicial Performance v. Russell, 691 So. 2d 929 (Mississippi 1997).
• The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge who had presided in court while under the influence of alcohol. In the Matter of Giles, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 4, 1997).
• Based on an agreed statement of facts and a joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge who had requested a lenient sentence for a defendant he knew personally. In the Matter of Engle, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 4, 1997).