Name: A. Eugene Hammermaster
Title: Judge
Court: Sumner Municipal Court
County: Pierce
Discipline: Disqualification
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 03/04/2002
Canons Violated:Dismissed
Summary: On October 8, 2001, the Commission on Judicial Conduct commenced a public proceeding concerning Judge A. Eugene Hammermaster, of the Sumner and Orting Municipal Courts in Pierce County, by filing a Statement of Charges. The action was based upon a Commission finding of probable cause, alleging that Judge Hammermaster violated Canons 1, 2 and 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct by engaging in a pattern or practice of violating defendants' fundamental due process and other rights and procedures, failing to maintain competence in the law, failing to comply with the law, issuing orders beyond his jurisdiction, and engaging in undignified courtroom demeanor. In December 2001, Judge Hammermaster retired from his judicial positions. After a series of prehearing motions, former Judge Hammermaster stipulated, in order to close the proceedings, to his ineligibility to hold judicial office at any time in the future. Disciplinary counsel agreed such closure was appropriate under the facts of this case, where the former judge had previously been sanctioned by the Commission, the current charges against the former judge were already public information, the former judge agreed not to serve in any judicial capacity in the future, and the cost of further proceedings would outweigh the potential benefits. The Commission accepted former Judge Hammermaster's stipulation and closed the proceeding.
Case Documents Available:
Reconsideration of and Granting of Motion to Dismiss and Order of Closure filed 3/4/2002.
Answer to Statement of Charges filed 10/29/2001.
Answer to Statement of Charges Exhibits filed 10/29/2001.
Statement of Charges filed 10/8/2001.