A state panel that reviews complaints against judges has admonished Lynnwood Municipal Court Judge Stephen Moore for “displaying impatient, undignified and/or discourteous demeanor” toward people who appeared before him.
An admonishment is the least- severe disciplinary action the commission can issue.
Moore acknowledged his actions and consulted with “professionals … to improve his judicial temperament,” the commission said.
“I accept this admonishment and resolve not to repeat the behavior which earned it. I deeply regret the unfavorable light which this casts on the city of Lynnwood, Lynnwood Municipal Court and our excellent court staff,” Moore said in a statement.
The admonishment was issued Friday by the independent, 11-member agency whose members are appointed by the governor, judicial associations and the Washington State Bar Association.
Moore said he was advised of alleged violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct in December.
“In several cases in 2002 and 2004, I engaged in conduct on the bench which was impatient, undignified and/or discourteous,” Moore said.
“The cases cited by the commission include being critical of a defendant who appealed a case, chastising a defendant’s mother for interrupting a hearing and rudely dismissing concerns expressed by another defendant’s mother and girlfriend.”
The commission said Moore violated three sections of the judicial code.
In reaching its decision, the panel said it took into account Moore’s full cooperation with the commission, his acknowledgment of concerns his behavior caused, his attempts to change his conduct, and that Moore has had no disciplinary actions in 17 years of service.
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