Judge Lisa Gorcyca. (Photo: Daniel Mears, Associated Press pool)
(Michigan, Nov. 11, 2o16) The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission recommends a 30-day unpaid suspension and public censure for Oakland County Judge Lisa Gorcyca for judicial misconduct in the Tsimhoni case for holding 3 children in contempt of court and sending them to a juvenile detention facility.
In addition, the Judicial Commission also wants to fine Gorcyca $12,553.73 as a penalty, stating her response to a complaint filed against her was “misleading” and forced them to perform an “evidentiary hearing” to uncover the facts.
The Judicial Commission wrote in it’s recommendation (p. 14-15), “...her (Gorcyca) misconduct was using the awesome judicial power of contempt to vent her frustration on three children because she wanted them to have a better relationship with their father. Her intemperate language was not only counterproductive in accomplishing what she wanted; it may well have been misconduct even if directed against the adults. But the fact remains she was targeting children, who found themselves in the middle of a protracted legal controversy that was not their own making. While dealing with children poses unique problems for any adult, it makes her actions from the bench even more unacceptable, for it strikes at the heart of a proper role of a judge when dealing with children; to be a safe haven and a refuge rather than a bully, a source of guidance rather than just another grown-up barking commands they cannot understand.”
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether to impose the punishment. The Supreme Court has taken the recommendation under advisement.
C2A applauds the efforts of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission in their diligence to investigate the complaint against Gorcyca, this is an important step in holding judges accountable and improving the transparency of the courts not only in Michigan, but sets an example for the nation that has been following this case.
For More Information Please Read:
The Detroit News: Commission: Oakland Co. judge should be suspended
Gorcyca Recommendation Uploaded by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit
Tsimhoni in Review (Watch Judge Gorcyca misconduct hearing at this sites, get information and updates on the Tsimhoni case)
A Call to Action ~ Together We Are Stronger (C2A) 