Name: Mark Chow
Title: Judge
Court: Seattle District Court
County: King
Discipline: Admonishment
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 10/24/2007
Canons Violated:1, 2(A), 3(A)(3)
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission found that King County District Court Judge Mark Chow violated Canons 1, 2(A), and 3(A)(3) of the Code of Judicial Conduct in two separate instances when he made comments that were, or that were reasonably perceived to be, undignified and discourteous. Judge Chow also stipulated that he used language that could create the appearance that he might favor or disfavor defendants based on their ethnic backgrounds. By using such inappropriate language in court, he diminished public confidence in, and respect for, the courts. The Commission admonished Judge Chow and ordered him to, among other things, participate in approved ethics training at his own expense.
Case Documents Available:
Stipulation Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 10/24/2007.
Answer to Statement of Charges filed 9/26/2007.
Statement of Charges filed 8/28/2007.