The Judicial Conduct Board filed a formal complaint against Senior District Justice James Kelly, alleging that he had attempted to influence the outcome of a traffic violation case involving an acquaintance. District Justice Kelly and the Judicial Conduct Board submitted findings of fact in lieu of trial, pursuant to Court of Judicial Discipline Rule of Procedure 502(D)(1), through which District Justice Kelly admitted sending a note to the district justice who was to preside over the traffic violation case, seeking that judicial officer’s help in obtaining a favorable outcome for his acquaintance. Based upon the submitted findings of fact, the Court concluded that District Justice Kelly’s conduct (1) brought the judicial office into disrepute, (2) was prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, (3) violated Rule 2A of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of District Justices, and (4) violated Article V, §17(b) of the Pennsylvania Constitution. Following a sanction hearing, the Court imposed a severe reprimand upon District Justice Kelly and ordered that he should no longer be eligible to accept assignments as a senior district justice.

Full details of decision:

Opinion (Russo, J - June 29, 2000)

Order (Per Curiam - June 29, 2000)

Order (Per Curiam - August 23, 2000)

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