Opinion ID: 1854995
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 27

Heading: Giving Bible to Litigant

Text: The second incident under this charge concerns a woman named Valerie Brenner. Brenner appeared before respondent seeking a protection order. After granting the order, respondent observed Brenner sitting in the hall outside the courtroom looking distraught. Brenner conveyed to respondent that she and her son were having difficulty reading and understanding their Bible. When Brenner stated she could not afford to purchase a different version, respondent loaned his New International Version paperback Bible to her. Respondent testified that he has seen neither Brenner nor his Bible since that day. Respondent admits the incident occurred but argues that it was not improper because it occurred outside of court and that there was no possibility that Brenner would appear before him again because a protective order violation matter goes before the county court. The master, finding the incident occurred as set forth by both Brenner and respondent, concluded otherwise, stating the discussion and loaning of the Bible was improper because should Brenner appear before respondent again, there could exist questions of impartiality. As such, the master concluded the incident was violative of Canons 1, 2, 2(A), and 3(B)(5) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and § 24-722(6).