In re Council
Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey; December 3, 2015; New Jersey; State Supreme Court
Gerald J. Council, a Judge of the Superior Court, is suspended from his judicial duties for one month without pay, specifically from December 7, 2015, to January 6, 2016. This suspension follows a presentment by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, which found that Judge Council violated multiple provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct: Canon 1 (maintaining high standards of conduct), Canon 2A (promoting public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary), and Canon 3A(3) (being patient, dignified, and courteous). The Court has adopted the Advisory Committee's findings and recommendations. Justice LaVECCHIA dissents in part, arguing that a censure would be a more appropriate punishment than suspension.