In the Matter of R. Douglas Hoffman

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reviewed the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct’s findings that Judge R. Douglas Hoffman engaged in non‑consensual, sexually suggestive touching of a subordinate employee and violated multiple canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Court held that the record established cause for removal beyond a reasonable doubt, that removal rather than suspension is the appropriate discipline, and that no mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating circumstances. Accordingly, the Court ordered Judge Hoffman’s removal from judicial office.