Inquiry Concerning Judge Eric W. Norris

Summary

The Court held that Judge Norris violated the judicial conduct rules by deliberately summoning a bail bondsman to chambers, intimidating him, and berating him for criticizing the judge. It rejected the recommended sanctions of a compelled public apology and censure, concluding that a public reprimand was the appropriate discipline. The Court ordered the reprimand to be imposed in person in open court by a designated judge.