In re The Honorable Steven Ford

Summary

The Michigan Supreme Court reviewed and adopted the Judicial Tenure Commission's findings concerning former Judge Steven Ford's misconduct, including unwanted physical contact with a court employee and use of court equipment to access sexually explicit websites. Because Ford had resigned, agreed not to serve as a judge or seek judicial office, and consented to the sanction, the court ordered public censure as the maximum available discipline.

Holdings

1. The admitted conduct constituted judicial misconduct, including misconduct in office, conduct clearly prejudicial to the administration of justice, gender-based discourteous or disrespectful treatment, violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, and violations of MCR 9.104.
2. Public censure was the appropriate and most severe sanction available because Ford had resigned, agreed not to serve in a judicial capacity, and consented to the sanction.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the admitted conduct constituted judicial misconduct under the Michigan Constitution, Michigan court rules, and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. Whether public censure was the appropriate and available sanction after respondent's resignation and consent to the disciplinary recommendation.

Disposition

other