Magisterial District Judge Amy Zanelli Under Investigation By Judicial Conduct Board

 

According to several reliable sources, Lehigh County Magisterial District Judge Amy Zanelli, who was elected in 2021, is being investigated by the Judicial Conduct Board. That Board investigates complaints of judicial misconduct, and if necessary, files formal charges against judges believed to have engaged in unethical behavior. 

Neither the Lehigh County Court Administrator nor the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts can confirm the existence of an investigation because documents and evidence obtained are confidential. If the Board decides a full investigation is warranted, the judge is notified and is given an opportunity to respond to the charges.

In this case, Zanelli was notified last week of the existence of an investigation. No suspension has been sought at this juncture, so she can continue to hear cases. 

I am unable to contact Zanelli because she blocked me years ago. She can request the Judicial Conduct Board to confirm the existence of a pending investigation. 

If the investigation leads to a trial in the Court of Judicial Discipline, the trial itself will be a matter of public record. The judge is presumed innocent, and the Board must prove its case by clear and convincing evidence. 

Lehigh County Judge Jim Anthony's Bias and Political Machinations

Lehigh County Judge Jim Anthony is a Nazareth-raised veteran who served his country with honor as a Marine. I had a post critical of him, but after speaking to lawyers who know him well, I believe i misjudged him and apologized to him.

He graciously accepted.

The only thing I dislike about Judge Anthony is that he's not on Northampton County. .