Judge Silverman reprimanded for behavior in court
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From: Greegor on 12 Jun 2010 17:47 http://www.thechadronnews.com/articles/2010/06/08/chadron/headlines/doc4c0e8eb9b8ce0532797464.txt Judge Silverman reprimanded for behavior in court By KERRI REMPP, Record staff writer Record staff writer Tuesday, June 08, 2010 Dawes County District Court Judge Brian Silverman has been officially reprimanded by the states Judicial Qualifications Commission for remarks he made in a child custody case last year. The commissions opinion was released last week. The incident occurred during a hearing in a child custody case in February 2009 in the case of Cari Goodwin v. Derek Goodwin. According to the commissions opinion, Derek refused to acknowledge a December 2008 agreement regarding custody and a purge plan for child support. Silverman informed Derek, who was behind in his child support, if he proceeded with a trial on custody issues, the agreement would be revoked and he would be sent to jail. Derek filed a complaint saying Silverman raised his voice and addressed him in an impatient, discourteous, angry and condescending tone and demeanor. The commission agreed that Silvermans behavior violated the judicial code of conduct requiring judges to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary, to avoid impropriety and the appearance thereof and to perform the duties of the office impartially and diligently. The commission finds that Judge Silvermans conduct at the Feb. 18, 2009, hearing was prejudicial to the administration of justice and brings the judicial office into disrepute, the opinion states. The document goes on to note that Silverman fully cooperated with the investigation. He readily admitted his violation of the code of judicial conduct. Judge Silverman was cooperative and complied with the commission during its investigation of this matter and has been open and candid in his responses, the opinion states. Judge Silverman has no history of prior discipline. He has acknowledged that his statements and demeanor at the Feb. 18, 2009, hearing fell short of that which is required under the Nebraska code of judicial conduct. Judge Silverman has acknowledged that he was neither dignified nor courteous and that he should have allowed a full hearing on the custody issues. The commission went on to say that it recognizes the frustration Silverman experienced as a result of the child support arrears and that the judge has apologized for his actions. |