A federal judge, Reggie B. Walton, faced two ethics complaints regarding his comments on the potential for violence resulting from negative remarks by authority figures about judges. The 3rd Circuit Court, led by Chief Judge Michael A. Chagares, determined Walton did not violate ethics rules, emphasizing that his comments did not reflect on any pending cases nor did they detract from the administration of justice. This ruling followed Walton's comments regarding attacks from Donald Trump against Judge Juan Merchan during Trump's legal controversies, ensuring judicial integrity is maintained in light of political discourse.
"A federal judge didn't violate ethics rules when he commented about the potential for violence when 'people in positions of authority' make negative comments about a judge or the judge's family members."
"Chagares wrote the opinion for the 3rd Circuit's judicial council that dismissed two ethics complaints against Walton, noting he did not engage in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice."
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