In re Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers

Summary

The Louisiana Supreme Court reviewed a Judiciary Commission recommendation concerning Justice of the Peace Stacie P. Myers's failure to file required sworn annual financial statements for 2007, 2008, and 2009. The court found violations of Canons 1 and 2(A) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and ordered a twelve-month suspension without pay, with six months deferred conditioned on filing the statements, plus payment of $246.70 in costs.

Holdings

1. Myers failed to comply with La. Rev. Stat. 24:514 by not filing the required sworn annual financial statements for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
2. Myers's failure to file the financial statements violated Canons 1 and 2(A) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and constituted willful misconduct relating to official duty and a willful and persistent failure to perform that duty under article V, section 25(C) of the Louisiana Constitution.
3. A twelve-month suspension from judicial office without pay was warranted, with six months deferred on the condition that Myers file the delinquent financial statements within three months of judgment; she was also required to pay $246.70 in costs.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Myers violated the statutory requirement to file sworn annual financial statements for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
2. Whether the failure to file those statements violated Canons 1 and 2(A) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and constituted willful misconduct or a willful and persistent failure to perform official duties under article V, section 25(C) of the Louisiana Constitution.
3. What discipline was appropriate for the established violations.

Disposition

other