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Case Summary for Complaint # 878


Name: James M. Murphy

Title: Judge

Court: Spokane County Superior Court

County: Spokane

Discipline: No Violation. Dismissed

Method of Resolution: Decision

Discipline Date: 08/03/1990

Canons Violated:None

Summary: The Commission dismissed the charges against a superior court judge who had been cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants and speeding, who had refused to submit to a breath test on the advice of his attorney, who had successfully invoked his Miranda rights to suppress statements made to the arresting officer, and who had pled guilty to a charge of negligent driving. Three commission members dissented. They argued that the judge should be admonished for conduct that did not promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

Case Documents Available: