Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance v. Carlos E. Moore, Municipal Court Judge

Summary

The court held that Judge Carlos Moore’s televised and social-media statements constituted willful misconduct, violated the judicial-conduct canons and an agreed memorandum of understanding, and were prejudicial to the administration of justice. It rejected his First Amendment defense, concluding that the statements were made while he held himself out as a judge and were racially charged attacks that undermined confidence in judicial impartiality. The court permanently removed Moore from the bench, imposed a $3,000 fine, and assessed costs.