Northport Judge Who Used 'Vile' Language Should Be Removed: Panel

ALBANY, NY — State judicial authorities recommended the removal of Northport Village Justice Paul Senzer because of his "vile and abhorrent" language.

Senzer, a village justice since 1994, used "racist, sexist, profane and otherwise degrading language" in emails with clients he represented in Family Court, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct said in its findings. The commission said such misconduct "is not simply the occasional use of vulgar language, but a pattern of statements that undermines respect for women and the legal system as a whole."

Senzer called a client’s daughter a "b----" and an "a------," and made gender-related slurs about the daughter's attorney, according to the document.

Robert Tembeckjian, administrator of the commission, called Senzer’s behavior "vile" and "abhorrent," and said his actions warrant removal from office, Law.com reported. He added anyone using gender-biased slurs doesn't belong on the bench.

Senzer was represented before the commission by David Besso and Michelle Aulivola. Besso said his client plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, according to Law.com. The Court of Appeals has the power to reverse, modify or affirm the commission's recommendation.

Besso said because Senzer used those terms in his work as a private attorney, not on the bench, a different standard should apply, Law.com reported. He further argued the Court of Appeals has never removed a judge for private conversations with clients.

Besso added the messages the panel flagged were sent more than a decade ago, and there have been no further complaints, Newsday reported. But the commission said Senzer also was warned in 2002 about making remarks in court about a defendant during a trial on a drug case, according to Newsday.

Senzer makes $10,000 a year for the part-time position. His term is slated to expire March 31, 2022, Newsday reported.