In the Matter of Garza

OPINION

{1} The Constitution of the State of New Mexico vests the judicial power of the state in the courts. See N.M. Const. art. VI, § 1. As individuals who have been entrusted with that power by the people, we as members of the judicial branch must recognize that it is never to be taken lightly or abused. Drafters of our constitutional safeguards wisely recognized the potential for abuse of judicial power and how, if left unchecked, exploitations by individual judges could weaken the judiciary and our system of government. Accordingly, our constitution provides for disciplining or removing…