Name: Judith R. Eiler
Title: Judge
Court: King Co Dist. South Division
County: King
Discipline: Censure & Suspension
Method of Resolution: Supreme Court affirmed but amended sanction
Discipline Date: 04/10/2009
Canons Violated:1, 2(A), 3(A)(3), 3(A)(4)
Summary: The Commission conducted a public hearing on allegations that Judge Judith Eiler of the King County District Court violated Canons 1, 2(A), 3(A)(3), and 3(A)(4) by engaging in a clear, ongoing pattern and practice of impatient, undignified and discourteous conduct of the Respondent towards litigants, especially self-represented litigants, witnesses, attorneys, court personnel and others with whom Judge Eiler dealt in her official capacity within the courtroom. The Commission found that the misconduct occurred and was compounded by the fact that Respondent was previously reprimanded by the Commission for similar behavior (in CJC 4148-F-116). The Commission censured Judge Eiler and recommended to the Washington State Supreme Court that she be suspended from office for ninety days without pay. The State Supreme Court affirmed the Commission's findings but imposed a five-day suspension.
Case Documents Available:
Supreme Court Opinion In re Honorable Judith R. Eiler169 Wn.2d 340, 236 P.3d 873 filed 8/5/2010.
Order Denying Motion for Reconsideration filed 5/18/2010.
Disciplinary Counsel's Response to Motion to Reconsider filed 5/7/2009.
Motion to Reconsider filed 4/24/2009.
Commission Decision filed 4/10/2009.
Minority Opinion filed 4/10/2009.
Minority Opinion Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law filed 4/10/2009.
Answer to Statement of Charges filed 7/11/2008.
Statement of Charges filed 6/20/2008.