An Ontario judge who wore a hat in court bearing a slogan used by U.S. President Donald Trump is facing a disciplinary hearing today.
Justice Bernd Zabel is before an Ontario Judicial Council panel in Toronto to face allegations of judicial misconduct over the November 2016 incident.
The council says it91裸聊视频檚 alleged Zabel wore a baseball cap with the slogan 91裸聊视频滿ake America Great Again91裸聊视频� in court on Nov. 9 91裸聊视频� the day after Trump won the U.S. election 91裸聊视频� and made comments about the election, 91裸聊视频渉is views and those of his judicial colleagues.91裸聊视频�
Zabel later apologized publicly for his behaviour, calling it a 91裸聊视频渓apse in judgment,91裸聊视频� but the council says it91裸聊视频檚 alleged his statement 91裸聊视频漺as not consistent with comments he made in court91裸聊视频� on the day of the incident.
Zabel91裸聊视频檚 lawyer, Ricardo Federico, says his client made the 91裸聊视频渂iggest mistake of his judicial career91裸聊视频� when he wore the hat, but maintained the judge did not intend to make a political statement.
91裸聊视频淛ustice Zabel wore the hat for less than one minute91裸聊视频t was a joke,91裸聊视频� he told the panel. 91裸聊视频淗e will never wear that hat in court again.91裸聊视频�
An agreed statement of facts shows Zabel admits his actions were contrary to the standard of conduct expected of a judge and constitute judicial misconduct.
The judicial council says it received 81 complaints about Zabel91裸聊视频檚 behaviour on that day.
If Zabel is found guilty, the panel may impose a number of sanctions or recommend he lose his job.
The Ontario Court of Justice said in January that Zabel, who is based in Hamilton, was no longer being assigned cases.
A Hamilton city councillor, who said the incident raised concerns about Zabel91裸聊视频檚 impartiality in the courtroom, has called for the judge to step down or be removed from the bench.
Paola Loriggio , The Canadian Press
