Ethics
Montana choose will get unpaid suspension for courthouse hallway feedback
A Montana choose is getting a public reprimand and a 30-day unpaid suspension because of remarks that he made a few witness whereas in a courthouse hallway.
The Montana Supreme Court docket accepted the sanctions towards Decide Raymond Dayton of Anaconda, Montana, in a May 2 opinion, report the Associated Press and the Montana Standard.
His conduct was “unacceptable,” the state supreme court docket mentioned.
The incident occurred in August 2022. Dayton was accused of constructing “inappropriate feedback of a sexual nature” a few witness who alleged {that a} defendant had stalked her. Courthouse workers overheard the remarks.
Apart from imposing sanctions, the Montana Supreme Court docket ordered Dayton to not interact in a retaliatory conduct towards the one that filed a criticism or towards witnesses.
Dayton stipulated to violating an ethics rule that requires judges to behave in a means that promotes confidence within the judiciary.
Dayton gave an announcement to the Montana Commonplace.
“This matter has to do with a remark that I made, in jest, in what I assumed was a personal dialog with a colleague,” he mentioned. “I used to be unaware that others have been listening. The matter was reported to the powers that be who’ve determined to punish me.
“I’ve determined to just accept their punishment. In any other case, I’ll proceed to endeavor to carry out my duties to the perfect of my means as I’ve throughout my 40-year profession within the legislation. I don’t intend to touch upon the matter additional.”
