In the Matter of Judicial Discip. Proceedings Against Crawford

¶ 1. We emphasize at the outset what this case is not about: it is not about a judge's right to comment publicly on or criticize the administration of the courts, the justice system or the district attorney's office. Judge Robert Crawford did not forfeit his right to speak freely and petition about such matters when he took the bench, nor does any judge. However, the conduct at issue in this case went beyond mere criticism of the administration of the justice system, and descended into threats and attempted coercion, undertaken with the purpose of overcoming another judge's legitimate,…