HOUSTON - The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has issued a public admonition and order of additional education for Judge Darrell Jordan, who presides over Harris County’s Criminal Court at Law No. 16.
According to the SCJC's order, the Commission received a complaint from the Harris County District Attorney's Office alleging Judge Jordan "repeatedly indulged in intemperate conduct" towards assistant district attorneys appearing in his court and exhibited bias against prosecutors and the HCDAO in the performance of his judicial duties.
“Among other things, the HCDAO alleged Judge Jordan summoned to his chambers ADAs with whom he was displeased, to lecture them about failing to pay him the proper deference and the contempt of court charges that could result from same, during which Judge Jordan referred to himself as the ‘king’ of his court,” states the SCJC’s order. “In another proceeding, Judge Jordan allegedly threatened to jail an ADA for showing him ‘disrespect.’"
In his responses to the Commission, Judge Jordan acknowledged the incidents occurred, but denied exhibiting intemperate conduct or treating the ADAs with a lack of patience, dignity, and courtesy. Judge Jordan further denied the allegation he exhibited bias or prejudice with respect to the individual ADAs or the HCDAO in the performance of his judicial duties, the order states.
“Based on the record before it … the (SCJC) has determined that the Honorable Darrell Jordan … should be publicly admonished and ordered to receive additional education for failing to be patient, dignified and courteous towards prosecutors appearing before him in court…,” the order states.
CJC No. 19-1137