Name: Anthony Parise
Title: Commissioner
Court: Whatcom District Court
County: Whatcom
Discipline: Admonishment
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 07/15/2016
Canons Violated:Canon 1: Rules 1.1 and 1.2 and Canon 2: Rules 2.2 and 2.6(A)
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, Whatcom County District Court Commissioner Anthony S. Parise stipulated that he violated Canon 1 (Rules 1.1 and 1.2) and Canon 2 (Rules 2.2 and 2.6(A)) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by refusing a defendant to allow to testify in his own defense when, for religious reasons, the defendant objected to raising his hand to be sworn in. The Commissioner's actions deprived the litigant of his right to testify in his own defense and infringed upon his religious freedom. The Commission admonished Commissioner Parise and ordered him to promptly read the Code.
Case Documents Available:
Certificate of Completion and Order filed 12/9/2016.
Stipulation, Agreement, and Order of Admonishment filed 7/15/2016.