Priv Adm of DI Judge (1/19/05)

Following a hearing in a hotly contested custody dispute, the judge observed a meeting between the pro se litigant and opposing counsel and approached them to foster a settlement discussion between the two. During the discussion, the judge engaged the litigant in a confrontational conversation that escalated to the point that the judge threatened to shoot the man if he ever saw him near the judge's home. The judge's statements to the litigant were found to lack patience, dignity and courtesy. [Violation of Canon 3B(4) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.] Private Admonition of a District Judge (01/19/05).