Name: David B. Ladenburg
Title: Judge
Court: Tacoma Municipal Court
County: Pierce
Discipline: Reprimand
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 02/20/2015
Canons Violated:Canon 1: Rules 1.1, 1.2. Canon 2: Rules 2.2, 2.3, 2.5(A)
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, Tacoma Municipal Court Judge David B. Ladenburg stipulated that he violated Canon 1 (Rules 1.1 and 1.2), and Canon 2 (Rules 2.2, 2.3 and 2.5(A)) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by requiring a criminal defendant appearing in his court wearing a fedora, which the defendant explained was worn as part of his Jewish faith, to bring to his next hearing evidence or information supporting his claim that he wore that particular head covering for religious purposes. Judge Ladenburg also indicated that if the defendant failed to bring the information, he would have the hat removed. He continued to demand proof of the religious basis for the choice of headwear at the next two hearings. Respondent's conduct contravened well-settled principles of First Amendment law and infringed upon an individual's fundamental right to religious freedom. Judge Ladenburg had previously been admonished by the Commission for requiring a woman wearing a religious head covering to remove it or leave his courtroom. (See CJC No. 4939-F-130.) The Commission reprimanded Judge Ladenburg.
Case Documents Available:
Certificate of Completion and Order filed 10/2/2015.
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Reprimand filed 2/20/2015.