Judges Suspended Over Social Media Conduct

Two judges have been suspended for conduct violations related to their use of social media. In New Jersey, Judge Gary Wilcox was suspended without pay for three months for posting inappropriate TikTok videos under the alias 'Sal Tortorella,' which included lip-syncing to vulgar songs and filming in judicial robes or partially undressed. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Mark Cohen has been suspended without pay for the remainder of his term due to multiple violations of the Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct, specifically for making political posts on Facebook. Cohen, a former Democratic state representative, plans to appeal the decision, arguing it infringes on his freedom of speech. Both cases highlight the importance of impartiality for judges and set significant precedents regarding social media conduct.