We have serious questions about the actions of the Court of Judicial Discipline and Judicial Conduct Board in the case of former Luzerne County Judge Ann Lokuta. This is an unusual posture for Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, or PMC, which has always believed that judges are appropriately held to a high standard of conduct and that a strong judicial discipline system that metes out serious punishment when warranted is necessary to the maintenance of a fair, independent judiciary. But we are concerned that in this case, the system has not worked as it was intended.
Last year, just before the Luzerne County Courthouse scandal broke, the Court of Judicial Discipline removed Lokuta from the bench for multiple violations of Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires the impartial and diligent performance of judicial duties. The evidence cited in the decision painted a picture of a judge who lacked judicial temperament — including being discourteous, impatient and badgering to court staff, attorneys, litigants and witnesses and being late for court — and did not deserve to wear the robes.
