Court Opinion

ID: 9735779
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 18:30:28.200982+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:27:01.413516
License: Public Domain

HENDERSON, Justice
(dissenting).
I respectfully dissent. See, Matter of Trygstad, 435 N.W.2d 723, 725-6 (S.D.1989) (Henderson, J., specially concurring), for scope of review on disciplinary proceedings.
Circuit Court Judge, Richard D. Hurd, acting as referee for this Court, entered an extensive REPORT TO THE COURT including Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendation.
This Justice would not disturb the findings of the referee, for the referee saw and heard the witnesses and the findings do appear to be supported by the evidence.
Additionally, unlike the majority, I would adopt the referee’s recommendation for the three year suspension from the practice of law; and that, thereafter, Stanton comply fully with the various recommendations of Judge Hurd concerning reimbursement, restitution, counseling, and reexamination of his legal skills via an essay examination. Judge Hurd consumed lengthy and conscientious judicial time in arriving at his recommendation to this Court.
David Stanton lost his wife, yet raised his sons. He developed emotional trauma, financial and physical problems, including a heart attack, and this obviously influenced the judgment of Circuit Judge Hurd. Mindful that we are all susceptible to great mental anxiety in this profession, and coupled with Stanton’s personal problems, I would attempt to temper justice with mercy, believing that his professional life is redeemable.