JONATHAN TURLEY

Seattle’s Judge Judy Suspended For Abusive Courtroom Conduct

Judge Judith Raub Eiler has been billed Seattle’s Judge Judy — abrasive and grandstanding. Her reviews, however, have become increasingly harsh from her colleagues who suspended her for her abusive treatment of lawyers and parties.

Eiler is widely criticized for her sarcastic and rude treatment of individuals in her courtroom, including hurling insults ala Judge Judy who is widely viewed by lawyers as a disgrace to the profession.

Eiler was first sanctioned in 2004 by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for “a pattern or practice of rude, impatient and undignified treatment” of the people who appeared before her. She admitted to the violation and agreed to participate in behavioral therapy. However, she was quickly accused of the same conduct in court and in 2008, she was again accused of abuse.

The Commission, however, rejected a demand from the disciplinary counsel to remove Judge Eiler permanently from the bench. Instead the commission suspended her for 90 days without pay. To the criticism of many, the Washington Supreme Court then reduced that sanction to just five days.

Source: Time.