25 years ago this month:

• Accepting the determination of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the New York Court of Appeals removed from office a part-time judge who had been disbarred for conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, and deceit in his handling of an estate in his capacity as a private attorney.  In the Matter of Embser, 688 N.E.2d 238 (New York 1997).
• The New York Court of Appeals publicly censured a judge for (1) dismissing a charge as a favor to a defendant whom the judge had known for over 40 years; (2) summarily sentencing a defendant to 30 days in jail without asking him to enter a plea or advising him that he had the right to assigned counsel if he could not afford a lawyer; and (3) giving evasive and disingenuous testimony before the Commission.  In the Matter of Skinner, 690 N.E.2d 484 (New York 1997).
• Accepting a stipulation, the Utah Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge who had presided over a criminal proceeding in which he knew that his mother-in-law would likely be a material witness.  Inquiry Concerning Herring (Utah Supreme Court November 17, 1997).
• The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a judge for telling a defendant during his arraignment that if he wanted appointed counsel, his jail time, fine, and costs would be stiffer, and advising a second defendant during 2 arraignments that if he asked for appointed counsel, he could expect the maximum jail time.  In the Matter of Jarrell (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission April 21, 1997).
• The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a judge who had conducted a trial in a civil action in August 1994, but did not render a decision until January 1997, after the Supreme Court of Appeals had issued a writ of mandamus directing him to render a decision.  In the Matter of Irons (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission February 18, 1997).