In the Matter of Louis J. Mattera, Attorney-At-Law of New Jersey and Magistrate of the Municipal Court of the City…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey examined the scope of its disciplinary authority over a municipal magistrate who also was an attorney, addressing whether misconduct in a judicial role falls within that power and whether such conduct can constitute contempt. The Court held that its disciplinary power is not limited to professional conduct, that no constitutional implication bars discipline, and that disobedience of court rules may be contempt, but found the magistrate's actions did not rise to contempt and therefore discharged the order to show cause.