Opinion ID: 2172020
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Jack J. Terkowitz

Text: The record in these proceedings was substantially the same as in the DeLucia proceedings, for the testimony taken before the Ethics Committee in the DeLucia proceedings was by stipulation incorporated in the record. In addition Mrs. Spencer and respondent testified. Mrs. Spencer's testimony was substantially the same as before. She related that she received the summons on October 31, 1973; that she had not been well and did not want to appear in court; that she told respondent of the incident; that respondent spoke to Judge DeLucia; that she did not appear on November 12, 1973, the return day of the summons; that the next day Judge DeLucia phoned and advised her that the summons had been dismissed; that when on November 27, 1973 Judge DeLucia came to respondent's office, she was asked to prepare an affidavit which Judge DeLucia wanted dated November 6, 1973; that she typed up the affidavit with that date in the jurat; that respondent took her acknowledgment; and that she delivered the affidavit to the clerk's office the next day. Respondent, who had been the municipal judge in Rutherford for more than 13 years, testified that, when Mrs. Spencer mentioned that she had received the summons and did not want to appear, he telephoned Judge DeLucia and obtained an adjournment and permission to file an affidavit in lieu of her appearance. Respondent asserted that Judge DeLucia came to his office on November 27, that the Judge was upset and sought Mrs. Spencer's affidavit as soon as possible. Respondent repeatedly said Judge DeLucia wanted the affidavit to be dated the day that she gave me the story. Respondent admitted that Mrs. Spencer prepared the affidavit as of November 6 and that he had taken the false jurat. We are convinced from our independent examination of this record that the same factual findings made in the DeLucia matter are fully warranted here. We also find that respondent, who had been the municipal judge in Rutherford for many years, was fully aware of the rules applicable to proceedings before that court and that he knowingly participated in the improper dismissal of the traffic summons. Furthermore, he attempted to cover up the wrongdoing not only by permitting the affidavit to be prepared with a backdated acknowledgment, but also by executing a false jurat. The contention that the statement contained in the suppositious affidavit is true does not minimize the effect of the falsity. Courts act on the basis of affidavits and the solemnity of the oath is a substantial factor in assuring the verity of the materials therein. In the absence of an appropriate oath deponents may not be subject to charges of perjury or false swearing. Further, respondent impliedly consented to its being filed with the court records. Imposing this false paper upon the court, participating in the suppression of the summons and in the attempted cover-up are acts from which sensitive and conscientious members of the bar would have recoiled. In re Briedt, 84 N.J. Eq. 222, 227 (Ch. 1915). See R. 7:6-2 which states that [t]he aid by any person in the disposition of a traffic ticket or summons in any manner other than that authorized by the court may constitute a contempt. Respondent violated DR 1-102(A) (3), (4), (5) and (6). He is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, and until the further order of this Court. His petition for restoration to practice shall be processed in accordance with R. 1:20-3(g). For suspension of both respondents for one year  Chief Justice HUGHES and Justices MOUNTAIN, SULLIVAN, PASHMAN, CLIFFORD, SCHREIBER and HANDLER  7. Opposed  None.