Court Opinion

ID: 9547895
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 17:53:54.606221+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:18:11.614049
License: Public Domain

HOLOHAN, Chief Justice
(concurring and dissenting).
At the time the Judicial Qualifications Commission made its finding and recommendation the respondent was holding the office of justice of the peace, a “judge” as defined in Article VI.I Section 5 of the Arizona Constitution. I agree with the majority that the commission acted within its jurisdiction.
There is no disagreement on my part that the case is not moot when issues are raised which should be decided for the guidance of public officers in the future administration of their office. I also concur in the majority’s reasoning and holding concerning the findings of the commission. My disagreement with the majority concerns the suggestion that this court or the commission continues to have jurisdiction over a judge after his resignation.
Section 4 of Article VI.I of the Arizona Constitution grants this court the power to retire, censure or remove a judge for specified acts of misconduct. If the individual is not a judge this court cannot retire, censure or remove him from what he no longer has — the office of judge.
What the majority is really saying in this case is that a judge cannot avoid censure or removal by the simple device of resigning and running for office again at the next election. If the majority had the power to amend the constitution, the above situation could be prevented. Since the amendment of the constitution is not within the power of this court I dissent from any attempt to change the plain meaning of the constitution by interpretation to achieve a desirable result.