On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, the Court on the Judiciary of the State of Delaware publicly censured Kent County Family Court Judge Louann Vari for tardy issuance of rulings.

The case is entitled “In re: The Honorable Louann Vari,” and was brought by the Chief Judge of the Family Court, case # C.J. No. 17, 2022.

The charges cited Vari’s violation of Rule 2.5(c) of the Delaware Judges’ Code of Conduct.

The Delaware Judges’ Code of Conduct can be found here.

According to the court document, Chief Judge Newell of the Family Court filed a notice on August 2, 2022, alleging that Judge Vari repeatedly failed to comply with the Policy on Judicial Reporting. The notice stated that Judge Vari had kept cases under advisement for more than 90 days throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022. The Court on the Judiciary was invoked to address the matter.

A panel investigated the case and found probable cause that she violated Rule 2.5(C) of the Delaware Judges’ Code of Judicial Conduct. In response to the panel’s request, Judge Vari admitted to having cases under advisement for more than 90 days during the mentioned years and presented defenses and explanations in mitigation.

The Board recommended public censure as necessary to demonstrate accountability for failing to fulfill judicial duties. Judge Vari submitted an affidavit consenting to the recommended discipline by the Board.

Accordingly, the Court on the Judiciary determined that a public censure was an appropriate resolution based on the Board’s report and recommendation.

The disposition reads:

“NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that:

A. The offer of discipline by consent and stated sanction with conditions is ACCEPTED.

B. Judge Vari is PUBLICLY CENSURED.

C. Judge Vari shall maintain direct control over her docket and be diligent in promptly disposing of all matters assigned to her.

D. Judge Vari shall comply with her duty to provide accurate and complete monthly reports on her disposition of matters assigned to her.

E. Judge Vari shall continue to address on a monthly basis through the end of the year the underlying reasons for the tardy issuance of decisions.”

Judge Vari earned a law degree from Widener University School of Law. Her courtroom is located at 400 Court Street, Dover DE 1990, and she can be reached at +1 (302) 672-1000. Her profile can be found on Trellis.Law.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.