Matter of Fenster

Respondent, Judge Philip A. Fenster, a municipal court judge, was charged with judicial misconduct. After hearing the matter, the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct recommended censure, finding that his conduct required a more severe sanction than public reprimand. We agree, but conclude that a suspension is warranted.

Respondent was charged with improperly permitting the Mayor of Paterson “to make a speech during a court proceeding.” On August 9, 1991, respondent presided over a session of the Paterson Municipal Court. He had been a municipal court judge for seven years. One of the…