Opinion ID: 2229698
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: The Dispute With Judge Martin over State v. Schmidt

Text: The Board and Referee found that Judge Martin never made the statements claimed by Hopewell that Judge Martin promised leniency in exchange for a guilty plea and then entered a substantial jail sentence. This was found to be violations of Rules 8.4(c) [8] , (d) [9] and 3.3. [10] Hopewell's demand for a jury trial concerning the dispute with Judge Martin is without merit. Art. V, § 12 of the South Dakota Constitution places the ultimate authority over the discipline of attorneys solely with this Court. Matter of Discipline of Russell, 493 N.W.2d 715, 716 (S.D.1992). This provision also vests this Court with rule making authority for the administration of all courts. Pursuant to that authority we adopted Rule 78-1, now SDCL 16-19, which sets up the procedure for handling disciplinary cases. We have also adopted both the Rules and Code which are the legal basis for the charges against Hopewell. There is nothing in any of these provisions nor in Art. VI, § 6 and its explanatory case law, which suggests Hopewell is entitled to a jury trial on this matter. This Court has long held that while the findings of the Referee are not conclusively binding upon this Court, they are nevertheless entitled to our careful consideration. Matter of Discipline of Strange, 366 N.W.2d 495, 497 (S.D.1985). The findings of fact of the Referee where supported by the evidence, will not be disturbed by this Court. In re Jaquith, 79 S.D. 677, 117 N.W.2d 97 (S.D.1962); Strange, supra. Upon a careful review of the record we affirm the findings of the Referee and agree with his determination concerning violation of the applicable rules and canons.