Fissures in the foundation can signal critical structural issues. That fact is as true for institutions as it is for real property. If the fundamentals of choosing and disciplining the individuals who serve as pillars of an institution are shaky, the institution will be vulnerable to seismic events.

Looking at Pennsylvania's judiciary, there is currently much to commend. But how can citizens have full faith in the courts if they continue to produce headlines of judicial misconduct and untoward behavior? Every new allegation suggests that something is not as structurally sound as it needs to be.

Another crack appeared recently when Judge Michael Muth was charged by the Judicial Conduct Board with viewing ­pornography on multiple occasions in his chambers, within full view of court staff. He was also accused of having court staff perform noncourt business: grading papers for a college course he teaches.