Summary
The Supreme Court of Ohio held that Judge Mark Edward Repp committed professional and judicial-conduct violations by improperly ordering a courtroom spectator to undergo a drug test and then holding her in contempt and jailing her for refusing. The court imposed a one-year suspension from the practice of law and an immediate suspension from judicial office without pay for the duration of the disciplinary suspension.
Holdings
- Repp violated Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(d) and Jud.Cond.R. 1.2, 2.2, and 2.8(B) by engaging in undignified, improper, and discourteous conduct toward A.O. and T.D., abusing judicial authority, and acting in a manner prejudicial to the administration of justice.
- A one-year suspension from the practice of law without a stay was appropriate, together with immediate suspension from judicial office without pay for the duration of the disciplinary suspension and taxation of costs.
Questions Presented
- Whether Repp's courtroom conduct, order compelling A.O. to submit to a drug test, and contempt judgment constituted violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct and Code of Judicial Conduct.
- What sanction was appropriate for Repp's admitted and stipulated professional and judicial misconduct.
Disposition
other
Cases Cited (6)
- In re S.J., 106 Ohio St.3d 11, 2005-Ohio-3215, 829 N.E.2d 1207(applied)
- State v. [A.O.], 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-20-05, 2020-Ohio-4514(followed)
- Disciplinary Counsel v. Bachman, 163 Ohio St.3d 195, 2020-Ohio-6732, 168 N.E.3d 1178(distinguished)
- Denovchek v. Trumbull Cty. Bd. of Commrs., 36 Ohio St.3d 14, 15, 520 N.E.2d 1362 (1988)(followed)
- Disciplinary Counsel v. Cox, 113 Ohio St.3d 48, 2007-Ohio-979, 862 N.E.2d 514(followed)
- Disciplinary Counsel v. Karto, 94 Ohio St.3d 109, 114, 760 N.E.2d 412 (2002)(followed)
Cited In (0)
No citing cases on record yet.
Court Document
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