In Re Inquiry Concerning Badgett

BRADY, Justice.

ORDER OF CENSURE AND REMOVAL

This matter is before the Court upon the 6 March 2008 recommendation of the Judicial Standards Commission that respondent Mark H. Badgett be censured as a result of his actions during and after a civil domestic violence hearing over which he presided as a district court judge in Surry County. Because of respondent’s persistent acts of willful misconduct,'we decline to accept the recommendation of the Judicial Standards Commission and instead order that respondent be censured and removed from office.

PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In a letter dated 8 November…