10 years ago this month:

• The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for abruptly dismissing a jury when defense counsel had not arrived in the courtroom by 8 a.m. even though he knew the building remained locked; failing to make the defendant and defense counsel aware there was a way to get into the locked courthouse; refusing to allow defense counsel to explain what had happened on the record; and abruptly disqualifying himself and submitting the matter for re-assignment, causing the parties substantial delay and inconvenience.  Chiles, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct April 9, 2012).
• Pursuant to the judge’s agreement, the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission publicly reprimanded a judge for taking action in 2 cases following ex parte communications from the defendants’ parents, 1 of whom was a court employee and 1 of whom was a former client.  Letter of Reprimand (Karren) (Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission April 27, 2012).
• Pursuant to the judge’s agreement, the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission publicly censured a judge for delays in several cases.  Letter of Censure (Keaton) (Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission April 27, 2012).
• The California Commission on Judicial Performance severely admonished a judge for (1) making denigrating and undignified comments to litigants and related parties in 5 family law proceedings; (2) inappropriately commenting on complaints made against him and viewing litigants’ web posts about matters pending before him; (3) independently investigating facts in a case; and (4) failing to disclose on the record information that was reasonably relevant to the question of disqualification.  In the Matter of Friedenthal, Decision and order (California Commission on Judicial Performance April 3, 2012).
• Pursuant to the judge’s agreement, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline publicly admonished a judge for his conduct when his former bailiff was charged with domestic violence.  In the Matter of Melville, Finding of fact, conclusions of law, and consent order (Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline April 13, 2012).
• Pursuant to the judge’s agreement, the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary publicly reprimanded a judge for releasing his son on his own recognizance after his arrest for driving under the influence.  Smith, Letter of reprimand (Tennessee Court of the Judiciary April 2, 2012).