Where applicable, the following public cases may include Commission decisions, statements of charges, answers to statements of charges, exhibits, and/or supreme court decisions. These documents are available for download as Adobe Acrobat PDF files.

In re the Honorable Katherine M. Stolz

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Pierce County Superior Court Judge Katherine Stoltz violated Canons 1, 2(A) and 3(A)(1) of the Code of Judicial Conduct, when she required a man wearing a head covering he maintained was for religious purposes to remove it in court without any inquiry as to the sincerity of the claimed religious belief. While judges must maintain decorum in the courtroom, the law is well settled that they may not abridge rights to religious liberty under the First Amendment of the federal constitution and Washington State Constitution Article I, §11, absent a clear threat to public safety, peace or order. Judge Stoltz failed to take into account settled law and a recent Commission decision on the same subject, resulting in denying a criminal defendant his right to free exercise of religion in her courtroom. Noting this was apparently an isolated incident, the lack of evidence of any bias on the part of the judge, and her cooperation with the Commission, Judge Stoltz was admonished by the Commission.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 12/5/2008.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 8/1/2008.

 

In re the Honorable Colleen Hartl

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that former Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Colleen Hartl violated Canons 1, 2(A), 3(A)(5) and 3(D)(1) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by presiding over matters in which a lawyer with whom she had an intimate relationship appeared as counsel, and by becoming highly intoxicated at a party and revealing to court staff details of her sexual encounter with the lawyer. In addition, her subsequent conversations with court staff reasonably appeared to be an effort to conceal her misconduct by suggesting these potential witnesses withhold relevant information. Respondent’s behaviors raised reasonable concerns about her lack of neutrality, were undignified, could cause the public to lose respect for judicial office, and called into question her integrity. Former Judge Hartl was censured by the Commission and she agreed that she will not seek or serve in any position performing judicial functions without first securing express approval from the Commission.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Censure filed 8/1/2008.

 

In re the Honorable Michael S. Hurtado

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Seattle Municipal Court Judge Michael S. Hurtado violated Canons 1, 2 and 3(A)(3) of the Code of Judicial Conduct when, on two different occasions, he failed to treat two different attorneys with patience, dignity and courtesy. As soon as the Commission brought this matter to Respondent’s attention, he openly acknowledged the acts occurred and recognized their impropriety. He noted stresses in his personal life and frustration with the situations in the courtroom combined to lead to the inappropriate behavior. The Commission’s independent investigation has shown Respondent generally maintains an appropriate and professional demeanor. Of his own initiative, prior to contact from the Commission, the judge undertook corrective measures to help him address personal stress and to control his demeanor. The Commission admonished the judge.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 11/18/2011

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 12/05/2008.

 

In re the Honorable Michael Morgan

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Michael Morgan violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by engaging in a pattern of impatient, undignified and discourteous behavior towards court personnel, former court personnel and employees of the City of Federal Way; and by making comments that were, or reasonably could be perceived as, disparaging, threatening, or otherwise unbecoming a judicial officer. The Commission determined that his conduct violated Canons 1, 2(A), and 3(A)(3). The Commission reprimanded Judge Morgan and ordered him to undergo a series of corrective measures. He was to complete training pertinent to better management of his administrative duties as a judge; to complete a course on judicial ethics; and to promptly obtain an evaluation by a counselor and show proof of compliance with all recommendations.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 11/18/2011

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Reprimand filed 12/05/2008.