On Monday, August 28, 2023, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct recommended that Judge Jill R. Epstein, a Brooklyn Civil Court judge in Kings County, be admonished for invoking her judicial position during a dispute involving a double-parked car. The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jill R. Epstein.”

The charges cited the Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 1, Rule 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has advised the admonishment of Judge Jill R. Epstein for asserting her judicial office during an incident related to a double-parked car that transpired in April 2022. The event encompassed Judge Epstein identifying herself as a judge to a school safety officer and expressing discontent due to a double-parked car obstructing her path. The commission’s determination underscored that Judge Epstein’s actions “improperly asserted her judicial status” and created the perception of expecting preferential treatment linked to her judicial role. Judge Epstein subsequently issued a written apology to the teacher involved and encountered administrative consequences from her superiors.

The incident contravened multiple judicial conduct regulations, which underscore the importance of upholding the dignity of the judicial office, avoiding impropriety, and refraining from citing judicial titles in personal situations.

Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian remarked:

“A judge must uphold the integrity and dignity of the judicial office at all times… Judge Epstein forthrightly accepted responsibility and made amends, allowing for the mildest public discipline available.”

Judge Epstein has been a member of the Civil Court since 2019, with her current term set to conclude on December 31, 2028. The determination has been referred to the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Unless Judge Epstein requests a review within 30 days, the commission’s admonishment recommendation will be executed.

This incident serves as a reminder of judges’ obligation to uphold the integrity of their positions both on and off the bench, refraining from referencing their titles in personal matters.

Judge Epstein’s courtroom is located at 141 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, and can be reached at +1 646-386-5700. Further information about her can be found on Ballotpedia.org.

A duplicate of the original filing is accessible here.