Name: Beverly G. Grant
Title: Judge
Court: Pierce County Superior Court
County: Pierce
Discipline: Admonishment
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 08/04/2006
Canons Violated:1, 2(A), 3(A)(2), 3(A)(3)
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Pierce County Superior Court Judge Beverly Grant violated Canons 1, 2(A),3(A)(2) and 3(A)(3) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by her actions immediately preceding a sentencing hearing in a manslaughter case. The sentencing hearing occurred on the Friday before Super Bowl Sunday. Perceiving a high level of tension among those present in the crowded courtroom, the judge opened the hearing by inviting those present to join her in cheering: "Go, Seahawks." Dissatisfied with the low volume of the response, she repeated the request. The judge later publicly apologized and noted that her "invitation to salute the Seahawks was misplaced and under the circumstances made [her] appear insensitive to the victim's family, friends and supporters." The Commission admonished Judge Grant.
Case Documents Available:
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 8/4/2006.