- The California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly admonished a judge for making public comments to a reporter about a domestic violence case and making a discourteous remark about the victim in court. In the Matter Concerning Lord, Decision and order (California Commission on Judicial Performance April 11, 2018).
- Based on the findings of a referee, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct removed a judge from office for (1) in 2 cases, being discourteous to lawyers who responded “okay” to their witnesses’ answers, striking the witnesses’ testimony, and dismissing the cases; (2) being discourteous to lawyers in 3 other cases; (3) sua sponte awarding “fees” to counsel in 9 civil actions without affording an opportunity to be heard; and (4) failing to cooperate with the Commission’s investigation. In the Matter of the O’Connor, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 30, 2018), review requested.
- Based on the findings of a referee following a hearing, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct removed a judge for (1) operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, resulting in her conviction for driving while intoxicated; (2) asserting her judicial position to try to avoid the consequences of her arrest; (3) repeatedly and willfully violating the terms of her conditional discharge; (4) arraigning a former client; and (5) making discourteous, undignified, or otherwise inappropriate comments while presiding over 3 criminal matters. In the Matter of Astacio, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 23, 2018), review requested.
- Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s resignation and agreement not to seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct closed its investigation of allegations that a judge, in an eviction proceeding, signed a warrant of eviction without holding a hearing and engaged in ex parte communications and other misconduct. In the Matter of LaFave, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 12, 2018).
- Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s resignation and affirmation not to seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct closed its investigation of a judge facing state felony charges based on allegations he and another attorney stole over $1,000,000 from trusts. In the Matter of Sherwood, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 12, 2018).
- The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) hiring a woman with whom he had an intimate relationship and making inappropriate comments about her during office hours and (2) issuing an amended judgment without providing the parties with notice and setting an appeal bond that was over the amount specified by rule. Public Reprimand of Jasso and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 18, 2018).
- The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for (1) referring to a man who was the subject of a guardianship proceedings as “Mr. Maggot,” “Maggot Man,” or words to that effect; (2) comparing the assessed IQ of a woman who was the subject of a guardianship proceeding to the IQ of a pen; and (3) interacting with litigants in 3 guardianship cases in a manner that reasonably led them to feel disrespected, demeaned, and frustrated. Public Admonition of Cross and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 18, 2018).
- The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for stating “this is a redneck court.” Public Warning of Lee and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 18, 2018).
Judicial ethics and discipline 