Inquiry Concerning a Judge No. 16-496 Re: Philip James Yacucci, Jr.

Summary

The Court approved the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s findings that Judge Yacucci violated multiple judicial-conduct canons through a prolonged personal and professional conflict with attorney Stephen Smith, including public disparagement, attempts to influence appellate proceedings, and repeated refusals to disqualify himself. Because the findings were undisputed and supported by clear and convincing evidence, the Court approved a public reprimand, a thirty-day unpaid suspension, an ethics course, and costs. Justice Pariente, joined by Justice Quince, concurred in the findings but would have imposed a suspension of at least ninety days.