Name: Steven M. Sowards
Title: Judge
Court: Battle Ground Municipal Court
County: Clark
Discipline: Disqualification
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 09/09/2005
Canons Violated:Dismissed
Summary: The Commission had reason to commence an investigation based upon information that former part-time Judge Steven Sowards of the Battleground Municipal Court ("Respondent") permitted or failed to prevent posting of potentially undignified materials of himself and a family member on a site on the Internet that could be embarrassing to him and thereby bring the judiciary into disrepute. The materials in question did not identify Respondent by name nor refer to his judicial position. Prior to entry of any stipulation, Respondent resigned his position with the Municipal Court. Pursuant to the stipulation with the Commission, Respondent agreed that he would neither seek nor serve in any position performing judicial functions without Commission approval, and the Commission agreed to close the matter without further proceedings.
Case Documents Available:
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Closure filed 9/9/2005.