5 years ago this month:

• Based on a joint motion to resolve charges, the Alabama Court of the Judiciary reprimanded and censured a judge for failing to recuse himself from his son’s traffic violation case and dismissing the case. In the Matter of Durward, Reprimand and Censure (Alabama Court of the Judiciary November 21, 2012).
• Based on the recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Conduct and a stipulated resolution, the Arizona Supreme Court censured a former judge for accompanying his niece while she collected nominating petition signatures for a candidate and for speaking at a political meeting. In the Matter of Pearce, Order (Arizona Supreme Court November 26, 2012).
• With the judge’s consent, the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications publicly admonished a judge for assuming the role of the prosecutor when she attempted to negotiate a resolution to a defendant’s case after the defendant inquired about the status of his traffic infraction ticket and driver’s license suspension and for several ex parte conversations with the prosecutor about the same case. Public Admonition of Hagerty (Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications November 19, 2012).
• Accepting an agreement for discipline by consent, the South Carolina Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge for telling a defendant, “I’ll beat your ass if you call me a liar.” In the Matter of Martin, 734 S.E.2d 165 (South Carolina 2012).