In re Rice

This judicial disciplinary proceeding is before this Court pursuant to Rule III. D. of the West Virginia Rules of Procedure for the Handling of Complaints Against Justices, Judges, Magistrates and Family Law Masters. This proceeding was initiated by the Judicial Investigation Commission (hereinafter “Commission”) against Magistrate John R. Rice of Cabell County. The Commission charged Mr. Rice with violation of Canon 2A and 2B of the Code of Judicial Conduct.1 The West Virginia Judicial Hearing Board (hereinafter “Board”), found that Mr. Rice had violated Canons 2A and 2B by contacting an…