This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
A complaint was filed against a magistrate court judge in Cibola County for inappropriate conduct towards a court clerk. The judge allegedly engaged in inappropriate physical contact and made denigrating comments about the clerk's appearance. Additionally, the judge reacted angrily to a complaint about his untimely signing of documents (paras 3-4).
Procedural History
- New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission, June 13, 2024: Notice of formal proceedings filed against the judge (para 3).
Parties' Submissions
- Petitioner: The Judicial Standards Commission argued that the judge's conduct violated several rules of the Code of Judicial Conduct, including promoting confidence in the judiciary and prohibiting harassment (paras 4-6).
- Respondent: The judge, representing himself, denied willful misconduct but agreed that the Commission could find willful misconduct based on the stipulated facts (para 3).
Legal Issues
- Whether the judge's conduct constituted willful misconduct in office.
- Whether the judge violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by his actions.
Disposition
- The Supreme Court of New Mexico accepted the Stipulation Agreement and issued a public censure against the judge (para 2).
Reasons
Per Curiam: The Court found that the judge's conduct violated several rules of the Code of Judicial Conduct, including those requiring compliance with the law, promoting confidence in the judiciary, and prohibiting bias, prejudice, and harassment. The judge's actions were deemed to undermine public confidence in the judiciary and were considered willful misconduct. The Court emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of judicial office and issued a public censure to uphold public trust in the judicial system (paras 5-13).