Opinion ID: 1608349
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: ¶ 5. The standard of review for judicial misconduct proceedings is de novo. Mississippi Comm'n on Judicial Performance v. Boykin, 763 So.2d 872, 874 (Miss. 2000) (citing Mississippi Comm'n on Judicial Performance v. Gunn, 614 So.2d 387, 389 (Miss.1993)). The Commission's findings, based on clear and convincing evidence, are given great deference. Id. This Court however, is obligated to conduct an independent inquiry. Mississippi Comm'n on Judicial Performance v. Neal, 774 So.2d 414, 416 (Miss.2000). Even though the Commission's findings are considered, this Court is not bound by the findings and additional sanctions may be imposed. Mississippi Comm'n on Judicial Performance v. Whitten, 687 So.2d 744, 746 (Miss.1997).