Inquiry Concerning Judge Eric W. Norris

Summary

The Court accepted the uncontested findings that Judge Eric W. Norris violated judicial conduct rules by deliberately summoning and intimidating a bail bondsman, lecturing him for about 30 minutes, and implying that the judge could affect his livelihood. The Court rejected the recommended sanctions of a public apology and censure, concluding that a public reprimand was the appropriate discipline given the deliberate nature of the misconduct, the absence of vulgar language or physical contact, and the judge’s limited geographic jurisdiction. The Court ordered the reprimand to be imposed in person in open court.