Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 11-550 Re: Judith W. Hawkins

Summary

The Court independently reviewed the Judicial Qualifications Commission Hearing Panel’s findings and concluded that clear and convincing evidence established that Judge Judith W. Hawkins violated Canons 1, 2A, and 5D of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Court held that the cumulative misconduct—including using judicial resources for a private business, exploiting judicial prestige, failing to comply with law, and obstructing the investigation—was fundamentally inconsistent with judicial office and warranted removal rather than the lesser sanctions recommended by the Hearing Panel.