Name: Susan Mahoney
Title: Judge
Court: King Co District West Division
County: King
Discipline: Reprimand
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 09/09/2022
Canons Violated:Canon 1: Rules 1.1 and 1.2 and Canon 2: Rule 2.8(B).
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts King County District Court Judge Susan Mahoney stipulated that she violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, Canon 2, Rule 2.8(B), and created the appearance of violating Canon 2, Rule 2.3, of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Mahoney violated the Code by using the N-word in a staff meeting, by introducing a new judge to a Black staff person as someone who likes watermelon, and by making generalities about Asian or Chinese drivers. Respondent agreed she thereby engaged in conduct that was undignified and discourteous, eroded public confidence in her integrity and impartiality and created the appearance of impropriety since her words could be seen as manifesting bias regardless of her intent. The Commission reprimanded Judge Mahoney. Judge Mahoney did not file for reelection for her office, which term expires at the end of this year. She agreed that prior to seeking or serving in a judicial capacity following the completion of her term in office, she must complete a course of study focused on the impact of inherent bias and microaggressions, approved in advance by the Commission Chair or the Chair designate.
Case Documents Available:
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Reprimand filed 9/9/2022.