Private Admonition of a District Judge. (09/16/13).

09/16/2013

The judge lost his patience, and failed to act in a dignified, courteous manner when he ordered law enforcement officers and members of the victim's family to leave the courthouse following a criminal trial. The judge should have exercised more judicial restraint and decorum in the manner in which he continued to pursue the departure of these individuals while they waited in the safety of the district attorney's office. It appeared, given the history of conflict between the judge and the district attorney, that the judge may have been taking out his anger or frustration with the district attorney by lashing out at the family members instead, leaving the family members feeling victimized once more. [Violation of Canon 3B(4) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.] Private Admonition of a District Judge. (09/16/13).