In re Nettles-Nickerson
In re Nettles-Nickerson
Opinion of the Court
Memorandum Opinion.
On June 11, 2008, the Court heard oral argument from the parties concerning the Judicial Tenure Commission’s findings and recommendations in this matter. The Judicial Tenure Commission’s Decision and Recommendation for Order of Discipline is attached as an exhibit to this opinion.
We adopt in part the recommendations made by the Judicial Tenure Commission and order that the respondent is removed from office, effective immediately, on the basis of the following misconduct:
(1) Respondent twice made false statements under oath in connection with her divorce proceeding (Count 1);
(2) Respondent made and solicited other false statements while not under oath, including the submission of fabricated evidence to the Judicial Tenure Commission (Count II);
*323 (3) Respondent improperly listed cases on the no-progress docket (Count III);
(4) Respondent was absent excessively and engaged in belated commencement of proceedings, untimely adjournments, and improper docket management (Count IV);
(5) Respondent allowed a social relationship to influence the release of a criminal defendant from probation (Count VI); and
(6) Respondent recklessly flaunted her judicial office (Count IX).
See page 2 of the Judicial Tenure Commission’s Decision and Recommendation for Order of Discipline in the attached exhibit.
The respondent is no longer a judicial officer and will not be an incumbent at the time of the 2008 30th Circuit Court election. We decline the Judicial Tenure Commission’s additional recommendation to conditionally suspend the respondent.
On the basis of Counts I and II, costs are imposed on the respondent judge in the amount of $12,000. MCR 9.205(B).
This judgment is effective immediately.
Concurring in Part
(concurring in part and dissenting in part). I concur in the majority’s decision and reasons for removing respondent Judge Beverley Nettles-Nickerson from her current position as judge of the 30th Circuit Court.
I dissent from the majority’s decision to assess against the respondent any costs of the Judicial Tenure Commission proceeding. As I stated previously in regard to the proposed assessment of costs against a respondent judge:
*324 [T]here is no constitutional authority to assess costs against a judge. Subsection 2 of Const 1963, art 6, § 30 provides that “the supreme court may censure, suspend with or without salary, retire or remove a judge ....” As I stated in my concurrence in In re Noecker, 472 Mich 1, 18-19 (2005), “Nothing in this constitutional provision gives this Court any authority to discipline the judge by assessing the judge the costs of the Judicial Tenure Commission proceedings against him or her.” [In re Trudel, 477 Mich 1202, 1203 (2006) (WEAVER, J., concurring).]
Further, as I stated in a subsequent order by a majority of this Court granting a default judgment against Judge Trudel:
While under Const 1963, art 6, § 30(2) the Supreme Court also has the authority to “make rules implementing this section [concerning the Judicial Tenure Commission],” the Supreme Court cannot create Judicial Tenure Commission rules that authorize the Judicial Tenure Commission to recommend to the Supreme Court something that the Supreme Court does not have constitutional authority to do. The rule-making authority available to the Supreme Court is limited to making rules “implementing this section.” And, because “this section” provides that “the supreme court may censure, suspend with or without salary, retire or remove a judge,” this Court only has the authority to make rules implementing the section in connection with the censure, suspension with or without salary, or retirement or removal of a judge. Assessment and collection of costs is not included in this authority to discipline a judge. As the Supreme Court does not have authority to assess and collect costs granted to it by the Michigan Constitution, there is no corresponding rule-making authority to provide for the Judicial Tenure Commission to recommend to the Supreme Court the assessment and collection of costs against a respondent judge. This Court may not delegate authority that it lacks in the first place. [In re Trudel, 480 Mich 1213, 1214 (2007) (WEAVER, J., dissenting).]
Additionally, given the vast power vested in the executive director and the general counsel of the Judicial Tenure Commission, and given the possibility of due process violations against a respondent judge, it is becoming apparent that the rules concerning the operation of the Judicial Tenure Commission, created by this Court pursuant to Const 1963, art 6, § 30, should be reexamined by this Court and the people.
STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE JUDICIAL TENURE COMMISSION
COMPLAINT AGAINST:
HON. BEVERLY NETTLES-NICKERSON
Judge, 31)"1 Circuit Court Formal Complaint No. 81
Veteran Memorial Courthouse 313 Kalamazoo St. PO Box 40771 Lansing, MI 48901
DECISION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR ORDER OF DISCIPLINE
At a session of the Michigan Judicial
Tenure Commission held on April ¿V ,
2008, in the City of Detroit
PRESENT:
Hon. Barry M. Grant, Chairperson
Hon. Kathleen J. McCann, Vice Chairperson
Thomas J. Ryan, Esq., Secretary
Hon. Jeanne Stempien
Hon. Michael J. Talbot
Nancy J. Diehl, Esq.
Ronald F. Rose
Hon. Nanci J. Grant
Maga M. Winters
I. Introduction
The Judicial Tenure Commission of the State of Michigan (“Commission”)
files this recommendation for discipline against Hon. Beverly Nettles-Nickerson
On February 12, 2008, the Commission received findings of fact and conclusions of law from the Master appointed by the Supreme Court to hear evidence in this matter. Having reviewed the transcript of the hearing, the report, the exhibits, and having considered the oral arguments of counsel, with two exceptions the Commission adopts the findings of facts set forth in the Master’s report. The Commission concludes, as did the Master, that Respondent twice made false statements under oath in connection with her divorce proceeding (Count 1), that Respondent made and solicited other false statements while not under oath including the submission of fabricated evidence to the Commission (Count II), that Respondent improperly listed cases on the no progress docket (Count III), that Respondent engaged in excessive absences, belated commencement of proceedings, untimely adjournments and improper docket management (Count IV), that Respondent allowed a social relationship to influence the release of a criminal defendant from probation (Count VI), and that Respondent recklessly flaunted her judicial office (Count IX).
-2-
The Commission agrees with and adopts the Master’s conclusions that the Examiner failed to establish misconduct with respect to the allegations in Counts V, VII, and VIII.
Accordingly, the Commission recommends that the Supreme Court remove Respondent from the office of judge of the 30lh Circuit Court and conditionally suspend her, without pay, for a period of six years commencing on January 1, 2009. Additionally, the Commission recommends that the Supreme Court order Respondent to pay costs, fees, and expenses in the amount of $ 128,861.26 pursuant to MCR 9.205(B) based on its finding that Respondent engaged in intentional misrepresentation and submitted fabricated evidence to the Commission.
II. Procedural Background
On May 16,2007 the Commission filed Formal Complaint No. 81 asserting ten counts against Respondent. Count I alleged that Respondent made a fraudulent claim of residency to obtain a divorce. Count II alleged that Respondent made
On February 29, 2008, Respondent filed written objections to the Master’s report and a brief in support of the objections. On March 6, 2008, the Examiner filed a petition to adopt the report of the Master and to modify an evidentiary ruling made by the Master during the course of the hearing. The Commission heard oral argument on Respondent’s objections on March 10,2008.
III. Standard Of Proof
The standard of proof applicable in judicial disciplinary matters is the preponderance of the evidence standard. In re Ferrara, 458 Mich 350, 360, 582 NW2d 817 (1998). The Examiner bears the burden of proving set forth in the Complaint. MCR 9.211(A). The Commission reviews the Master’s findings de novo. In re Chrzanowski, 465 Mich 468, 480-481; 636 NW2d 758 (2001).
As noted, the Commission adopts and incorporates by reference the Master’s findings of fact for Counts I through IX in their entirety, with two exceptions.
First, with respect to Count VI, we find that the note on Exhibit 9f stated “Gwen prepared discharge” and not “Gwen, prepare discharge,” as the Master’s report states. This change does not alter our other findings of fact or our conclusions of law as to Count VI.
Second, with respect to Count X, the Commission adopts that Master’s findings of fact pertaining to Respondent’s statements and actions, but we conclude that the evidence does not support a determination that Respondent lacked an honest belief that she had been treated differently, at least in some respects, based on her race. No evidence in the record supports a conclusion that Respondent was, in fact, discriminated against on the basis of her race. But the absence of such evidence does not necessarily establish that Respondent intentionally made false allegations about race and racism while knowing them to be false. Because the burden of proof lies with the Examiner, Respondent is not
A. The Legal Basis for the Imposition of Discipline
With respect to Counts I-IV, VI, and IX of the Formal Complaint, the Commission adopts and incorporates the conclusions of law set forth in the Master’s report. The facts asserted in the Formal Complaint and established at the public hearing in this matter show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Respondent breached the standards of judicial conduct and is responsible for all of the following:
• Peijury contrary to MCL 750. 422 (as to Count I only);
• Misconduct in office as defined by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, as amended Article VI, § 30 and MCR 9.205 (as to Counts I, II, III, IV, VI, and IX);
• Conduct clearly prejudicial to the administration of justice, as defined by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, as amended, Article VI, § 30 and MCR 9.205 (as to Counts I, II, III, IV, VI, and IX);
• Failure to establish, maintain, enforce and personally observe high standards of conduct so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary may be preserved, contrary to the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct (MCJC), Canon 1 (as to Counts I, II, III, and tv);
-7-
• Conduct involving impropriety and the appearance of impropriety, which erodes public confidence in the judiciary, in violation of MCJC, Cannon 2A (as to Counts I, II, III, IV, and IX);
• Failure to respect and observe the law and so conduct herself at all times in a manner which would enhance the public’s confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary contrary to MCJC, Canon 2B (as to Counts I, II, and III);
• Allowing family, social or other relationships to influence judicial conduct or judgment, in violation of MCJC, Canon 2C (as to Counts IV and VI);
• Using the prestige of office to advance personal business interest contrary to MCJC, Canon 2C (as to Count IX only);
• Failure to be faithful to the law and to maintain professional competence in it, contrary to MCJC, Canon 3A(1) (as to Count III only);
• Lack of personal responsibility for her own behavior and for the proper conduct in the administration of justice which she presides contrary to MCR 9.205(A) (as to Counts II, III, and IV);
• Conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1) (as to Counts I, II, III, IV, VI, and IX);
• Conduct that exposes the legal profession or courts to obloquy, contempt, censure or reproach, contraiy to MCR 9.104(A)(2) (as to Counts I, II, III, IV, VI, and IX);
Conduct contrary to justice, ethics, honesty or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(3) (as to Counts I, II, III, IV, VI, and IX);
• Failure to cooperate with a reasonable request for assistance by the Commission, contrary to MCR 9.208(B) (as to Count II only).
B. The Master’s Rulings On Evidentiary Issues
With one exception, the Commission agrees with and adopts the conclusions of law reached by the Master on all of the various evidentiary disputes raised by the parties.
The one exception is our conclusion regarding the Master’s decision to strike portions of Counts IV (a portion of ¶ 41) and X (¶¶ 105-106) of the Formal Complaint based on the doctrine of laches. See Transcript, Vol. 8, pp 1361-1379. The act of striking portions of the Formal Complaint on the basis of laches is, in effect, the granting of a dispositive motion. In a judicial discipline matter, the master lacks the authority to grant dispositive motions, but instead may only make recommendations to the Commission. Therefore, the Master should not have stricken any portion of the Formal Complaint. The Examiner has indicated that he does not wish to re-open the proofs on these matters. Accordingly, we address the issue solely for purposes of clarification.
-9-
A. The Brown Factors
The Michigan Supreme Court set forth the criteria for assessing proposed sanctions in In re Brown, 461 Mich 1291, 1292-1293; 625 NW2d 744 (1999). A discussion of the relevant factors follows.
(1) Misconduct that is part of a pattern or practice is more serious than an isolated instance of misconduct.
Respondent’s conduct was part of a pervasive pattern of numerous breaches of the canons and appropriate ethical conduct and included conduct violative of criminal law. Accordingly, it is much more serious than an isolated instance of misconduct. This factor weighs heavily in favor of the imposition of a more severe sanction.
(2) Misconduct on the bench is usually more serious than the same misconduct off the bench.
Many aspects of Respondent’s misconduct involved bench activities, including the early termination of probation as a favor for a friend, coercing court employees into improperly listing cases on the No Progress docket, and making and soliciting false statements involving matters at the court. This factor weighs in favor of the imposition of a more severe sanction.
-10-
Respondent’s perjury (Count I) was prejudicial to the actual administration of justice in her divorce case because it caused the case to be brought and decided in the wrong venue. Respondent’s presentation of fabricated evidence to the Commission (Count II) was prejudicial to the actual administration of justice because it brought potentially deceptive evidence before the Master and the Commission. Respondent’s coercion of court employees to improperly place cases on the No Progress docket (Count III) was prejudicial to the actual administration of justice because it caused cases to be listed on the No Progress docket that should not have been listed on the No Progress docket. At least one case was dismissed when it should not have been. Respondent’s allowing a social relationship to influence the release of a criminal defendant from probation (Count VI) was prejudicial to the actual administration of justice because it caused a criminal defendant to be released from probation when he otherwise would not have been so released. These acts of misconduct reflect a lack of respect for justice and the courts. Accordingly, this factor weighs heavily in favor of the imposition of a more severe sanction.
-It-
Respondent’s actions involved misconduct that implicated the actual administration of justice and created an appearance of impropriety, as well as less specific misconduct.- This factor would weigh in favor of a more severe sanction if we had not already concluded, in our analysis of factor (3), that Respondent’s actions actually prejudiced the actual administration of justice. Under the circumstances of this case, this factor is duplicative.
(5) Misconduct that occurs spontaneously is less serious than misconduct that is premeditated or deliberated.
Respondent’s peijury, the most serious act of misconduct, was premeditated and deliberate. The evidence showed that Respondent had expressed a desire to keep her divorce out of the 30lh Circuit Court. Respondent’s act of peijury accomplished this goal. This factor weighs heavily in favor of the imposition of a more severe sanction.
(6) Misconduct that undermines the ability of the justice system to discover the truth of what occurred in a legal controversy, or to reach the most just result in such a case, is more serious than misconduct that merely delays such discovery.
Respondent’s act of peijury in her divorce case undermined the ability of the justice system to discover the truth of her ex-husband’s residency, which if known at the time of Respondent’s misrepresentations would have prompted the Kent County Circuit Court to conclude that it lacked jurisdiction over the proceeding.
The evidence does not show that Respondent’s actions caused the unequal application of justice on the basis of a class of citizenship. Accordingly, this factor, alone, docs not weigh in favor of a more severe sanction.
In sum, our consideration of the totality of all seven Brown factors weighs heavily in support of the imposition of a more severe sanction.
B. The Basis for the Level of Discinline and Proportionality
In determining an appropriate sanction in this matter, the Commission is mindful of the Michigan Supreme Court’s call for “proportionality” based on comparable conduct. Based on the facts, the Commission believes that removal from office plus an additional conditional suspension of six years, without pay, is an appropriate and proportional sanction for Respondent’s misconduct.
A primary function of the judiciary is to discover the truth. Perjury directly
undermines this function and, as such, is an affront to the entire process.
Our judicial system has long recognized the sanctity and importance of the oath. An oath is a significant act, establishing that the oath taker promises to be truthful. As the “focal point of the administration
-13-
In addition to removal from office, the Commission recommends (on the Examiner’s request) that Respondent conditionally be suspended for a period of six-years, without pay. Respondent’s term in office will be over at the end of2008 and Respondent has chosen to seek re-election on the November 2008 ballot. This creates a unique set of circumstances for the Commission and the Supreme Court. If Respondent is removed from office only months before the election, and then is re-elected, the sanction of removal from office will be rendered virtually meaningless in the public’s eye. Worse yet, a person not fit for judicial office will once again hold that position immediately after being terminated. Accordingly, the Commission recommends that Respondent be conditionally suspended, without pay, for an additional period of six years, commencing on January 1, 2009. This suspension would be conditional, only to become effective in the event that Petitioner is re-elected. It is clear that the Court has authority to impose such a conditional suspension in appropriate circumstances. See In re Probert, 411 Mich
The Commission finds that Respondent engaged in deceit and intentional misrepresentation. Specifically, Respondent committed perjury and presented a fabricated piece of evidence to the Commission. Accordingly, the Commission requests that Respondent be ordered to pay the costs, fees, and expenses incurred by the Commission in prosecuting the complaint. See MCR 9.205(B). The Examiner has submitted a bill showing costs, fees, and expenses incurred by the Commission in the amount of $128,861.26. Therefore, the Commission requests an assessment of costs, fees, and expenses in the total amount of $ 128,861.26.
IX. Conclusion and Recommendation
The Commission concludes that Respondent committed judicial misconduct. Based on the nature and pervasiveness of the misconduct, the Commission recommends that Respondent be removed from office, that Respondent be suspended without pay, conditionally, for a period of six years commencing on January 1, 2009, and that Respondent be ordered to pay an assessment of costs, fees, and expenses in the total amount of $128,861.26.
-16-
-17-
COMPLAINT AGAINST:
HON. BEVERLY NETTLES-NICKERSON
Judge, 30"1 Circuit Court Formal Complaint No. 81
Veteran Memorial Courthouse 313 Kalamazoo St. PO Box 40771 Lansing, MI 48901
CONCURRING AND DISSENTING OPINION
We concur in the Commission’s findings of fact and conclusions of law but dissent from the recommendation that Respondent be subject to a conditional suspension after removal from office. Removal from judicial office, is the most serious sanction that the Commission can recommend under Const 1963, art 6, § 30. Considering the Respondent’s misconduct, removal from judicial office— without more — is appropriate.
When the Commission finds misconduct, its task is to make a recommendation of action to the Supreme Court that is reasonably equivalent to the action that has been taken previously in equivalent cases. MCR 9.220(B)(2). On no prior occasion has the Supreme Court imposed additional discipline over and above removal from office, including a case involving quid pro quo bribery.
Because in this case we choose, by way of removal under art 6, § 30, to completely terminate all of the respondent's ties to his office, we think it would be speculative to consider at this time our authority to permanently enjoin respondent's ability to serve in an unspecified judicial office at an unspecified time. Furthermore, in view of the egregiousness of the offense of which respondent was convicted, the public attention to it, and the sanctions meted out by the sentencing judge and this Court, we are not so cynical about the electoral or appointive process that we are concerned about the respondent's re-entry upon the judicial scene.
In our view, the same considerations apply to the present case. Rather than recommending a conditional suspension in addition to removal, we would leave Respondent’s fate to the voters of Ingham County. Such a recommendation would sensitive to the voters’ constitutional right to franchise under Const 1963, art 2, § 1. Accordingly, we would recommend that Respondent be removed from judicial office with the imposition of costs.
-2-
-3-
COMPLAINT AGAINST:
HON. BEVERLY NETTLES-NICKERSON
Judge, 30lh Circuit Court Formal Complaint No. 81
Veteran Memorial Courthouse 313 Kalamazoo St. PO Box 40771 Lansing, MI 48901
CONCURRING AND DISSENTING OPINION
I concur in the Commission’s findings of fact and conclusions of law as to Counts I, II, and III. I find that the Examiner failed to prove the remaining counts by a preponderance of the evidence. Based on the Commission’s findings as to Counts I, II, and III, I believe that removal from judicial office, plus the imposition of costs, is appropriate discipline. I also agree with the view of the Concurring and Dissenting opinion of Judge McCann and Judge Stempien that a conditional suspension in addition to removal from office is not warranted.
MMarja IVK Winters
-1 -
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re NETTLES-NICKERSON
- Cited By
- 15 cases
- Status
- Published