Court Opinion

ID: 9549701
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 18:23:32.489878+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:20:46.499154
License: Public Domain

RAPER, Justice,
specially concurring.
I concur with what has been said in the court’s opinion and its result. I would suggest that it was marginal between censure and removal, but I am willing to give the benefit of any doubt to Judge Johnson with the hope that these proceedings may have some salutary effect and he will desist from his unjudicial conduct in all categories.
The court of a justice of the peace is important because it is one in which probably the greater number of persons in a community receive exposure to the judicial system. Some must certainly be left with the impression that unacceptable extrajudicial conduct is a reflection of the quality of justice to be found in the court of such a judge. Public confidence is thus eroded.
It alarms me that Judge Johnson should even attempt to justify his gross conduct, language and treatment of persons at the Country Kitchen or his assault and battery upon Martin Sanchez, shown as part of findings “8,” “9,” “10” and “11,” note 1, of the court’s opinion, which comportment is inexcusable and a state of intoxication amplifies the seriousness. There is created an unfavorable image of judicial dignity and welfare of others, which must have a tendency to mirror itself unto the entire judiciary, degrading and demeaning an establishment which can tolerate only the highest of standards within itself.
I am hopeful that the public, the bar and Judge Johnson will consider the impact of censure and reprimand, the grave sort of punishment it is. It becomes a blot upon a record which Judge Johnson must now live down under watchful eyes and is of no small moment.