2009AP2904-J Wisconsin Judicial Commission v. Zodrow

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Professional Responsibility
Public reprimand

Where municipal judge John A. Zudrow engaged in misconduct by failing to dispose of judicial matters promptly, efficiently, and fairly and by willfully or persistently failing to perform official duties, a public reprimand is appropriate.
"The misconduct at issue in this case is serious. Judge Zodrow repeatedly and willfully refused to dispose of judicial matters presented to him promptly, efficiently, and fairly. We agree with the panel that there is no conceivable reason that might justify a backlog of 3,500 cases, some of which were more than seven years old. Judge Zodrow's persistent misconduct stymied the timely disposition of cases assigned to him and adversely impacted the business of the Cudahy municipal court and, more broadly, cast a negative light on the entire Wisconsin judicial system."
"Under the circumstances presented here, we conclude that the appropriate discipline for Judge Zodrow's judicial misconduct is a reprimand. We note that in his stipulation Judge Zodrow expressed regret for his conduct. We further note that Judge Zodrow was defeated in the general election and no longer serves as a municipal judge. The likelihood of similar conduct by Judge Zodrow is minimal, and we trust that the reprimand we impose on him will provide adequate protection to the public from any further judicial misconduct of this kind by others."

2009AP2904-J Wisconsin Judicial Commission v. Zodrow

Per curiam.

Attorneys: For Complainant: Alexander, James C., Madison; For Respondent: Zodrow, John A., pro se