5 years ago this month:

• The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for his tone during an eviction trial, failing to afford either party a fair opportunity to be heard, and simultaneously entering judgment for the defendant and dismissing the case without prejudice. Fletcher, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct August 14, 2015).
• Adopting the findings of 3 masters, the California Commission on Judicial Performance severely censured a judge for calling the county jail and ordering the own-recognizance release of a person he knew socially. Inquiry Concerning Petrucelli, Decision and order (California Commission on Judicial Performance August 18, 2015).
• Accepting an agreed statement of facts and recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a part-time judge for making improper contributions to political organizations and candidates directly and through his law firm. In the Matter of Sakowski, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct August 20, 2015).
• Accepting an agreed statement of facts and recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a part-time judge for improper contributions to political organizations and candidates through his law firm and his spouse. In the Matter of Fleming, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct August 20, 2015).
• Based on the judge’s admission of the factual allegations, the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline removed a judge from office for not filing state and federal tax returns for 5 years, failing to remit approximately $130 in sales tax owed by a shoe store she owned, opening the store without a license, and pleading guilty to 3 misdemeanors (for dismissing several of her own tickets) and 1 summary offense (the business license violation). In re Ballentine, Opinion and order (Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline August 4, 2015).
• The Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline removed a former supreme court justice from office based on her conviction in state court of theft/diversion of service, criminal conspiracy, and misapplication of entrusted property. In re Orie Melvin, Opinion and order (Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline August 14, 2015).