On Monday, Pennsylvania’s Court of Judicial Discipline handed down its judgment against Lehigh County District Judge Maryesther Merlo, ruling that Merlo had violated both the Pennsylvania Constitution and the rules governing magisterial district judge conduct.

The Judicial Conduct Board stated in a press release that the Court found that Merlo:

• “Failed to respect and comply with the law and failed to conduct herself at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary;
• "Failed to devote the time necessary for the prompt and proper disposition of the business of her office;
• "Failed to be faithful to the law and fail[ed] to maintain competence in it;
• "Failed to be patient, dignified, and courteous to itigants, witnesses, lawyers and to other with whom she dealt in her official capacity;
• "Failed to diligently discharge her administrative responsibilities, fail[ed] to maintain competence in judicial administrative and failed to facilitate the performance of administrative responsibilities of her staff and of other members of the judiciary and court officials.

The press release also stated that the Court found that “Merlo’s conduct, in a number of areas, brought disrepute to the judiciary,” and that Merlo “failed to perform the duties of her office.”

Both the Judicial Conduct Board and Judge Merlo have the right to file objections to the Court’s findings.