Matter of Jones v. New York State Commn. on Jud. Conduct
Docket 67
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- Filed
- Jurisdiction
- New York
- Court
- New York Court of Appeals
- Type
- Opinion
- Case type
- Administrative
- Citation
- 2026 NY Slip Op 02362
- Docket
- 67
Order suspending a town court justice pending review of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct's determination
Summary
The Court of Appeals ordered the immediate suspension with pay of Hon. Walter W. Jones from his Canandaigua Town Court judgeship while it reviews a determination by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The suspension was issued on the Court's own motion under the New York Constitution and Judiciary Law pending the appellate review. A majority of the Court concurred in the order; one judge did not participate. The suspension is administrative and temporary, preserving pay during the review process.
Issues Decided
- Whether the Court of Appeals should suspend a judge with pay pending review of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct's determination
- Whether suspension pending review is authorized by the New York Constitution, article VI, § 22 and Judiciary Law § 44(8)
Court's Reasoning
The Court invoked its supervisory authority under the New York Constitution and Judiciary Law to suspend the judge immediately while it reviews the Commission's determination. The suspension with pay is a provisional, protective measure pending full appellate consideration and is authorized by the cited constitutional and statutory provisions. The order reflects the Court's exercise of its independent power to manage the judiciary and ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
Authorities Cited
- New York Constitution, article VI, § 22
- Judiciary Law § 44(8)
Parties
- Petitioner
- Walter W. Jones
- Respondent
- New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct
- Judge
- Chief Judge Wilson
- Judge
- Judge Garcia
- Judge
- Judge Singas
- Judge
- Judge Cannataro
- Judge
- Judge Troutman
- Judge
- Judge Halligan
- Judge
- Judge Rivera
Key Dates
- Decision date
- 2026-04-16
What You Should Do Next
- 1
Await Court review
The parties should prepare for the Court of Appeals' review of the Commission's determination; the Court will decide the disciplinary matter or direct further proceedings.
- 2
Coordinate counsel and filings
Petitioner and respondent counsel should confirm briefing schedules and submit any required materials the Court requests for its review.
- 3
Preserve employment records
Judge Jones or his counsel should ensure relevant personnel and court records are preserved and available for the Court's consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did the Court decide?
- The Court ordered that Judge Walter W. Jones be suspended with pay immediately while it reviews a determination by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
- Who is affected by this decision?
- Judge Jones is suspended from his judicial office; the Commission's disciplinary determination and the Court's forthcoming review are the matters being addressed.
- Does suspension mean Judge Jones is fired?
- No. The suspension is temporary and with pay while the Court reviews the Commission's decision; it is not a final removal.
- Can this order be appealed?
- This is an order by the Court of Appeals acting on its own motion; usual appellate remedies do not apply to this supervisory action, though the Court will conduct the review itself.
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Full Filing Text
Matter of Jones v New York State Commn. on Jud. Conduct - 2026 NY Slip Op 02362 Matter of Jones v New York State Commn. on Jud. Conduct 2026 NY Slip Op 02362 April 16, 2026 Court of Appeals In the Matter of the Hon. Walter W. Jones, a Justice of the Canandaigua Town Court, Ontario County. Walter W. Jones, Petitioner; New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Respondent. Decided on April 16, 2026 No. 67 Charles D. Steinman, for petitioner. Robert H. Tembeckjian, for respondent. On the Court's own motion, it is determined that Honorable Walter W. Jones is suspended with pay, effective immediately, from the office of Justice of the Canandaigua Town Court, Ontario County, pursuant to New York Constitution, article VI, § 22 and Judiciary Law § 44 (8), pending review of a determination of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Chief Judge Wilson and Judges Garcia, Singas, Cannataro, Troutman and Halligan concur. Judge Rivera took no part. Decided April 16, 2026