Another federal judge in the news, this time for an alleged altercation. The America Online (AOL) reports that surveillance video is involved. The story was later picked up by other media, including the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.
I have been persistent in warning about the ubiquity of video cameras in modern America. See Optics and Options (September 30, 2025) and all the posts noted there. With the emphasis on security and the minimal chances of real investigation of property crimes. See Drive Carefully (May 2026); cameras will continue to proliferate.
Even when there is a video, there is perhaps room for different perceptions. That might mean that someone disagrees with what the video depicts, the authenticity vel non of the video ("it's a deepfake"), what it depicts ("that is not me"), or what may have occurred other than what was captured. This is the realm of evidence, argument, interpretation, and credibility. These are the crux of litigated disputes.
In this story, there are allegations of battery, and a disagreement over parking appears to have played a role. A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judge in Idaho was parked "askew" when another man parked and "allegedly verbally criticized the judge's parking twice." The criticizing driver allegedly suggested the judge "learn how to park," and then there was a conversation.
To be fair, we have all parked askew at some point. And America's parking lots have long been a potentially unruly place. Recent examples include Indianapolis, Memphis, and Florida. In fairness, there are likely multiple such events daily in every state, but they do not make the news. Parking and driving somehow seem to bring out conflict.
The Idaho judge then allegedly "grabbed the man's glasses off his head and threw them across the parking lot." According to the video, the judge then referred to the man as "crazy" and as a more derogatory adjective. The video then "appears" to show the judge running to "stomp on (the) glasses."
Apparently, the judge admitted to "knocking" the man's glasses but "stated he did not touch him." The judge's attorney commented that the "judge will address the charges through (the) judicial system." And it is imperative that we remain ever-conscious that everyone in America is innocent until proven guilty. Allegations are simply that, allegations. And the presence of video evidence or clamor does not change that, for anyone.
Nonetheless, an organization called "Fix the Court" has announced that it filed a complaint regarding the Idaho Judge. It cites Canon 1 of the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges, and notes a desire for more "expeditious disclosure of incidents involving the federal judiciary."
National Public Radio (NPR) reported the incident as part of a broader discussion. It noted the recent filing of two impeachment articles regarding an Atlanta judge whose behavior was widely reported. See Lessons from Poor Behavior (May 2026). It also noted a Michigan judge accused of violating probation related to a DUI case (alleged; remember the innocent until proven guilty mentioned above). See Super Drunk (June 2026).
NPR cited a former judge who noted that "When judges act badly, even in their private lives, it reflects badly on everyone else." That is likely a fair statement. The news is the news. The news notes that the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit only recently learned of the sunglass-throwing allegations and has instigated an investigation.
As is our habit, there will be due process. The accused will have the opportunity to confront the accuser. Evidence will be evaluated by a finder of fact (judge, jury, or Congress). Decisions will be made. The processes, outcomes, and perceptions will be imperfect. We are all imperfect humans, and all that we create will likewise be imperfect. But we will strive for objectivity, fair process, and transparent outcomes.
The overarching sentiment of all this news coverage and commentary is critical. Notably, some criticism is focused on transparency. In an ideal world, those who make missteps would self-evaluate and even self-report. I have praised those who do so. See Yes, Virginia, Mitch was Right (June 2026), and I have been less complimentary of those who shirk responsibility or try to hide errors. See Just Delete It? (October 2025).
In an increasingly cynical and suspicious world stoked with clickbait headlines and social media virality, there are challenges aplenty. No unnecessary fuel should be shoveled to the flames, nor should fanning (unforced errors) be engaged by those who make errors and mistakes.
