Top N.J. Judge Can Be Personally Sued in School Bullying Case
A judge on the New Jersey Supreme Court can be sued personally for allegedly using his position to interfere in investigations of a Haddonfield High School classmate’s claimed bullying of his son in 2006.
Mercer County Judge Linda Feinberg has ruled that the civil rights suit can proceed against state Supreme Court Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto. However, she dismissed all claims against the state and against Rivera-Soto, in his official capacity, reports the New Jersey Law Journal.
The suit by former high school student Conor Larkin “alleges that Rivera-Soto’s actions, including putting pressure on school authorities to impose punishment, caused the teenager emotional distress, violated his right to due process under the state Civil Rights Act and violated his constitutional right to a public education,” the legal publication says.
Rivera-Soto has said he did what any concerned parent would do, to protect his or her child.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “N.J. Judge Censured”
ABAJournal.com: “Panel Urges Censure for N.J. Justice”
ABAJournal.com: “N.J. Judge Apologizes in Ethics Probe”
ABAJournal.com: “N.J. Justice Faces Ethics Charge”
Updated at 4:54 p.m. to include prior coverage.
