On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the New Jersey Supreme Court removed Judge Lewis J. Korngut from his position as a part-time municipal court judge in the townships of Lawrence and North Hanover. The decision by the court came after Judge Korngut admitted to allegations of misconduct laid out in a complaint filed against him.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Lewis J. Korngut,” with case number 089519.
The complaint accused Judge Korngut of several infractions involving improper contact with police officers and use of foul language in chambers. It alleged that on multiple occasions, Judge Korngut had discussed pending cases and court matters with police officers who were involved in those cases. Such ex parte communication is prohibited in order to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Judge Korngut was also accused of reviewing an accident report that had not been shared with the prosecution and defense, and then questioning a police officer about the case details in front of both legal teams. This led to a recusal motion, which Judge Korngut denied. Further, the complaint stated Judge Korngut socialized frequently with officers from the Lawrence Township police force, attending community events and sporting games with them outside of work.
Most seriously, Judge Korngut was alleged to have given football game tickets to an officer who appeared regularly in his court. Any gifts from a judge to someone involved in cases before them can undermine public trust in the impartiality of the judicial process.
In addition, the complaint cited Judge Korngut’s “propensity” to use profanity when frustrated, such as swearing at his laptop computer. While the language was not directed at staff, it still occurred in chambers within earshot of court employees.
In his response to the complaint, Judge Korngut admitted some of the facts as alleged but attempted to provide context and justification. He acknowledged attending public community events with officers but said he stopped two sports outings once he realized they were inappropriate. Judge Korngut maintained one Hooters visit was incidental.
He admitted frustration with technology but denied a pattern of swearing. Judge Korngut also stated the accident report was part of the public file, and he inquired only about notifying victims, not consulting officers on resolution. However, he did not deny speaking to the officer in front of both legal teams.
Having considered the complaint and Judge Korngut’s admissions, the New Jersey Supreme Court found the established facts warranted permanent removal.
Judge Korngut had no prior discipline as a judge or in his previous employment as a prosecutor and a lawyer in the state attorney general’s office. However, the Court ruled his actions, such as private meetings with officers and receipt of gifts, violated judicial conduct rules designed to protect neutrality and fairness.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
