Town Justice James A. Bradshaw, Jr., voluntarily resigned from his position after the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct lodged a formal complaint against him in August 2024. Bradshaw had been serving as a town justice since 2016.
Bradshaw has been accused of making inappropriate remarks and failing to uphold judicial standards, according to the complaint.
During a meeting with town officials, Bradshaw made the inappropriate comment of referring to litigants as “animals”. He also raised doubts about the qualifications of an Assistant Public Defender.
There were accusations that he failed to consider cases on their individual merits. This included allegations of imposing consecutive jail sentences and setting bail without taking into account the necessary factors.
Bradshaw, who is not a lawyer, received criticism for making unfounded assumptions about a defendant’s drug problem and for undermining a prosecutor’s recommendation in a petit larceny case. Furthermore, he neglected to document a necessary proceeding.
“The Commission’s administrator, Robert H. Tembeckjian, highlighted the significance of judicial responsibilities, stating,”
Judges are required to apply the law competently and impartially, treat litigants and lawyers respectfully, and otherwise act in a manner that enhances public confidence in the fairness of the courts. This case demonstrates the seriousness with which the Commission regards these judicial obligations.
Bradshaw’s resignation implies that he will not fulfill his term, which was originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2027.