Name: David Keenan
Title: Judge
Court: King County Superior Court
County: King
Discipline: Admonishment
Method of Resolution: Supreme Court reversed and dismissed
Discipline Date: 02/05/2021
Canons Violated:Canon 1: Rules 1.1 and 1.2 and 1.3
Summary: The Commission conducted a public hearing on allegations that Judge David Keenan of the King County Superior Court violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 by appearing in a bus advertisement for North Seattle College which used his judicial title. The Commission found that he created the appearance of impropriety by approving language in the ad which could lead a reasonable person to conclude he lacked impartiality. The Commission also found that by allowing the ad to use his title and photograph, he abused the prestige of judicial office to promote the college and advance its economic interests. The Commission admonished Judge Keenan. The State Supreme Court reversed the Commission’s findings and dismissed (see below).
Case Documents Available:
Supreme Court Order In re Honorable David Keenan Supreme Court No. 201,996-0 filed 2/10/2022.
Commission Decision and Order filed 2/5/2021.
Concurring Opinion filed 2/5/2021.
Opinion Dissenting in Part - 1 filed 2/5/2021.
Opinion Dissenting in Part - 2 filed 2/5/2021.
Opinion Dissenting in Part - 3 filed 2/5/2021.
Notice of Fact-Finding Hearing filed 8/6/2020.
Answer of Respondent filed 7/20/2020.
Statement of Charges filed 7/6/2020.