In re Judge Kirk Granier

Summary

The Louisiana Supreme Court reviewed a Judiciary Commission recommendation concerning Judge Kirk Granier's hiring of his romantic partner as an independent contractor and payment of her compensation and training expenses from the Judicial Expense Fund. The court publicly censured Judge Granier for violating Canons 1, 2A, 2B, and 3B(4) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and ordered reimbursement of specified amounts.

Holdings

1. Judge Granier violated Canons 1, 2A, 2B, and 3B(4) by allowing a romantic relationship to influence his judicial conduct, using the prestige of judicial office for another's benefit, and creating an appearance of impropriety through the appointment and payment arrangement.
2. Intent to violate the ethical canons is not required for the imposition of judicial discipline.
3. Public censure, reimbursement of $2,321.78 to the Judicial Expense Fund, and payment of $448 in Judiciary Commission costs were appropriate sanctions.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Judge Granier's hiring of his romantic partner and use of judicial funds for her compensation and professional training violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and La. Const. art. V, § 25(C).
2. Whether the absence of an intent to violate the ethical rules precluded the imposition of judicial discipline.
3. Whether public censure, reimbursement of judicial funds, and payment of prosecution costs were appropriate sanctions.

Disposition

approved