Opinion
Docket No. 1 JD 96
12-10-1996
In re: Jeffrey Alan Smith, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas Forty-Second Judicial District, Bradford County
Court of Judicial Discipline
MEMORANDUM
This Memorandum is issued in accordance with Paragraph No. 4 of this Court's Order of February 11, 1997.
On February 3,1997, this Court held a hearing on the issue of sanctions pursuant to C.J.D.R.P. 504(A). At that time testimony was presented relating to respondent's performance of his judicial duties. We are satisfied that respondent has been fair, courteous, dignified and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. We are also satisfied that he has cooperated with the Board throughout its investigation of this case, and that he is presently current with his duties.
But we are mindful that unreasonable delay in rendering a decision cannot be justified or excused because a judge had difficulty arriving at a decision based upon his individual conscience. All parties before our courts are entitled to a decision within a reasonable time.
Therefore, after consideration of the testimony, and based on the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law heretofore filed, this Court imposed the sanction of public reprimand with no additional sanction of probation for the purpose of supervision of respondent's workload.
The Clerk shall serve copies of this Memorandum upon the parties.
Date: 3/7/97
BY THE COURT:
__________________________
Joseph F. McCloskey, P.J.
Decision Overview
Opinion (McCloskey, PJ - December 10, 1996)
Order (McCloskey, PJ - December 10, 1996)
Per Curiam Order (February 11, 1997)
Memorandum (McCloskey, PJ - March 3, 1997)
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