Court Opinion

ID: 9642002
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 17:45:25.73596+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:10:41.806616
License: Public Domain

DISSENTING STATEMENT
Mr. Justice ROBERTS dissents and would accept the recommendation of The Judicial Inquiry and Review Board, dated March 22, 1978. (See Report of the Judicial Inquiry and Review Board, filed August 3, 1978 in the Office of the Prothonotary — Eastern District.)
LARSEN, Justice,
dissenting.
I dissent. The majority is willing to excuse an ill-tempered, jail-happy judge’s behavior even though the Judicial Inquiry and Review Board (judicial disciplinary arm of the Supreme Court) recommended that some sanction be applied. In the two cases before us Judge Johnson decided to throw two people (a policeman and an attorney) in jail because he whimsically and angrily did not like what they did. His actions were to further his own personal emotional needs as opposed to judicial-public servant needs. His behavior is characteristic of a bully. Judge Johnson should be suspended from office for one month during which time all pay and benefits would be forfeited.
It may be that Judge Johnson does not have the desired judicial temperament required of those who serve on the bench. If there is no improvement in Judge Johnson’s behavior after this suspension, he should be removed from office permanently.