Name: Jeffrey Goodwin
Title: Judge
Court: South Snohomish District Court
County: Snohomish
Discipline: Admonishment
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 12/05/2014
Canons Violated:Canon 1: Rules 1.1, 1.2. Canon 2: Rule 2.8
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission found that Snohomish County District Court, South Division Judge Jeffrey Goodwin violated Canon 1 (Rules 1.1 and 1.2) and Canon 2 (Rule 2.8) of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Goodwin stipulated that he violated the Code by speaking in a way that was impatient and discourteous during a private meeting with two administrators. His demeanor and comments could reasonably have been interpreted as intimidating and to be threatening retaliation against court employees for actions they were required to take in the course of fulfilling their job responsibilities. Consequently, his actions caused these subordinate court employees to fear their jobs were in jeopardy and/or undermined their ability to continue to effectively perform their job responsibilities. In mitigation, Respondent took no retaliatory action against the employees. This was an isolated incident. Respondent generally had enjoyed a collegial and professional relationship with court staff. Respondent fully cooperated with the Commission throughout these proceedings. The Commission admonished Judge Goodwin, and ordered him to promptly read and familiarize himself with the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Case Documents Available:
Certificate of Completion and Order filed 2/20/2015.
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 12/5/2014.