In the Matter of Laurie A. Booras

Summary

The court held that the former judge's private communications with an intimate partner were not protected by the First Amendment because the racial epithets did not concern a matter of public concern and, in any event, the state's interests in judicial integrity, confidentiality, collegiality, and public confidence outweighed any speech interest. Because the judge resigned after the Commission recommended removal, the court declined to decide whether removal was appropriate and instead accepted the resignation, imposed public censure, and ordered payment of costs.