Judge Virginia Amato of Seattle, WA; ethical dwarf

The state of Washington presented Virginia M. Amato with a law license in 1969 after she graduated from Howard University School of Law.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct found Virginia guilty of engaging in the following misconduct.

• Failed to uphold the integrity of the judiciary
• Failed to avoid impropriety or the appearance of impropriety
• Failed to maintain appropriate decorum in the courtroom
• Failed to be patient, dignified, and courteous to all persons appearing before her
• Virginia’s statements to the defendant appearing before her were degrading and clearly inappropriate

Virginia made the following statements during a sentencing hearing involving a defendant charged with domestic violence.

• “You’re setting yourself up, sir, to be Bubba’s new best girlfriend at the state penitentiary.  I hope you realize that.”
• “That may hopefully give you a graphic image to think about. And if you think I’m kidding, I’m not.”
• “The folks at the penitentiary have mothers and sisters and nieces and cousins that they do not want someone out there abusing.  And they will take that out on you, at the penitentiary.”
• “So, think about that because you’re racking up felonies at this point.” 

As a direct consequence of her misconduct, the apologists for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Washington State Supreme Court punished Virginia by gifting her with a complimentary admonishment.

As we speak (ca. August 2022), Virginia dispenses her so-called idea of jurisprudence as a continues to sit as a King County District Court judge in Seattle, Washington.