Pima County Superior Court Judge Carmine Cornelio Will Not Face Voters

In June, the Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review found that Pima County Superior Court Judge Carmine Cornelio did not meet their standards. As a result, Cornelio, who received 27 “Does Not Meet Standards” votes, failed to file the paper work necessary to be on the November ballot.

According to the Arizona Capitol Times: “Heather Murphy, an Arizona Supreme Court spokeswoman, said Cornelio missed the deadline of Sept. 9 to file for the ballot, which means he’ll leave the bench Dec. 31.”

Cornelio has been the center of controversy over the years. In 2010 and 2013 Cornelio was censured by the Arizona Supreme Court. According to Tucson News Now:

An attorney in a January 2012 settlement conference involving possible exposure to toxic mold complained to the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct that Cornelio made inappropriate comments that cause the 19-year-old plaintiff to cry.

The second complaint was filed over Cornelio’s conduct in a series of settlement conferences from May 2011 to March 2012 for a Cochise County case involving the sale of family property.

Cornelio allegedly used profanity, told a client her attorney was incompetent and threatened parties if they failed to reach an agreement.

Judges go through the review process after serving four years on the bench. Voters will decide whether or not to retain each jurist this coming general election.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jo Lynn Gentry received 17 “Does Not Meet Standards” votes.

The Commission is charged with conducting performance reviews of judges. It sets performance standards for judges, decides whether or not a judge meets those standards, and publishes its findings for voters. The Commission’s job is to give voters some insight on those judges based on input from people who have dealt with them in court, on issues from legal knowledge to courtesy, according to KJZZ.

Cornelio received 27, and Gentry received 17 “Does Not Meet Standards” votes.