20 years ago this month:

• Accepting a stipulation, the California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly censured a former judge for intentionally altering a court record; the Commission also barred him from receiving any assignment or reference from any California state court.  Inquiry Concerning Judge Hermo, Decision and order (California Commission on Judicial Performance February 20, 2001).
• Accepting the determination of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the New York Court of Appeals upheld the public censure of a judge for “inappropriate and demeaning” conduct toward his secretary.  In the Matter of Shaw, 747 N.E.2d 1272 (New York 2001).
• Based on an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge for (1) in 1 divorce case, finding both parties guilty of contempt and sentencing them to jail, based on the other party’s unsworn statements, without holding a hearing, and instructing the attorneys to submit ex parte affidavits concerning the exchange personal property at the marital residence; (2) in a second case, repeatedly violating the rights of a third-party defendant and conveying an appearance of bias; (3) in a third case, using “colorful” language and exerting pressure in an “injudicious and indiscriminate manner” to force a settlement; and (4) in a fourth case, while exerting pressure to achieve a settlement, stating that the parties were wasting the court’s time on matters that should have been settled, and disparaging the attorneys, in the presence of their clients.  In the Matter of Teresi, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 8, 2001).
• Based on an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge for, while a candidate for nomination to the supreme court, making improper, inflammatory, taunting, and provocative comments to and about a defendant while presiding over his arraignment for a crime that had resulted in the death of a police officer that conveyed the impression that he was using the judicial proceeding as a political forum.  In the Matter of Brennan, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 8, 2001).
• The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for retaining unexpended campaign funds after his unsuccessful campaigns for the nomination to another judicial office rather than returning them to his contributors pro rata.  In the Matter of Mullen, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 8, 2001).
• The New York Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge for (1) soliciting and receiving ex parte information about the owner of a mobile home park and relying on the information to the owner’s detriment; and (2) writing a letter on judicial stationery notifying a property owner of code violations and writing to the codes enforcement officer suggesting that he issue an appearance ticket to the property owner’s tenants.  In the Matter of MacLaughlin, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 8, 2001).