A judge used coarse and offensive language during criminal proceedings, while having an exchange with a lawyer about an accused drug dealer

20070006 - A judge used coarse and offensive language during criminal proceedings, while having an exchange with a lawyer about an accused drug dealer. The language used by the judge was widely reported in the media. Many people complained to the Council, indicating they were offended by the judge’s conduct.

The judge, shortly after the incident, made a public apology. In his comments to the Council about the complaints received, he indicated that he was truly sorry about his use of language and committed to never making such an error again. The Chairperson of the Judicial Conduct Committee expressed his concerns to the judge. He said that the language used was offensive, that it brought discredit on the judiciary and showed disrespect. He said that judges must lead by example in fostering respect for the legal process. However, given the full public apology and promise that this would not happen again, no further action was taken.