Matter of Means

MILLER, Retired Justice: 1

This is a disciplinary proceeding brought by the Judicial Investigation Commission (Commission) which claims that the Judicial Hearing Board (Board) erred in failing to find that Family Law Master Means (Mr. Means) violated Canons 1, 2A, 3C(1), and 5C(1) of the Judicial Code of Ethics (1989). These violations center on a domestic case that was handled by Mr. Means prior to January 1, 1993 when the Judicial Code of Ethics was in effect. 2

The facts surrounding this case are not substantially disputed. Mr. Means presided over a domestic case in Cabell County where the…