In re Justice of the Peace Roger Adams, Sr.

Summary

The Louisiana Supreme Court disciplined Justice of the Peace Roger Adams for issuing arrest warrants and setting excessive bonds in retaliation against individuals who criticized a mayor. The court found violations of Canons 2A and 2B of the Code of Judicial Conduct and imposed a 15-day suspension without pay, along with an order to pay $52.50 in costs.

Holdings

1. Adams violated Canons 2 A and 2 B by setting excessive bonds in retaliation for political criticism, allowing a political relationship to influence his judicial judgment, lending the prestige of his office to advance another person's private interests, and failing to promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
2. Adams's conduct was not mere legal error because he admitted that he acted for the purpose of political retaliation.
3. A fifteen-day suspension without pay, together with payment of $52.50 in Judiciary Commission costs, was appropriate.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Adams's conduct violated Canons 2 A and 2 B of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. Whether the stipulated conduct constituted willful misconduct or persistent and public conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice under La. Const. art. V, § 25(C).
3. What discipline was appropriate for Adams's violations.

Disposition

other