In re Jasper County Magistrate Lynah

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court accepted an agreement in a judicial disciplinary matter involving a Jasper County magistrate who issued a purported judicial-sale notice and bill of sale for a motor vehicle without complying with statutory requirements. The court found violations of Canons 1, 2, and 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct and suspended the respondent for nine months, retroactive to October 6, 2000.

Holdings

1. By issuing the notice of judicial sale and magistrate's bill of sale under the circumstances described in the agreement, the respondent violated Canon 1, Canon 2, and Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct; those violations constituted grounds for discipline under Rule 7(a)(1), RJDE.
2. A nine-month suspension from judicial duties was warranted and was imposed retroactively to October 6, 2000.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent's admitted conduct violated Canons 1, 2, and 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
2. Whether the respondent should be suspended from judicial duties and, if so, for what period.

Disposition

other