Hearing held on possible suspension for Oakland County judge

Judge Lisa Gorcyca in court Monday

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Punishment for Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Lisa Gorcyca might be getting closer after the Judicial Tenure Commission, or JTC, heard both sides plead their cases in court Monday.

The case stems from Gorcyca's decision to hold three children in contempt of court for not agreeing to parenting time with their father.

The JTC's independent fact finder determined that Gorcyca misapplied her contempt power and that she used inappropriate demeanor on the bench during the June 24, 2015 hearing. It also found that she made a false statement to investigators when they questioned her.

Former judges and leading attorneys were there in support as Gorcyca's attorney insisted punishment is not warranted for what they're calling one difficult day on the bench. All parties said they agree the incident was a five-year exercise in frustration.

After 30 attempts and repeated refusals by the children to spend time with their father, the judge ordered them to Children's Village, where the 9-, 11- and 13-year-old spent 17 days for contempt. Commission investigators said it's not just what Gorcyca did that amounts to judicial misconduct, but also how she did it.

"The evidence shows her anger and frustration," said Glenn Page, JTC interim executive director.

Gorcyca's attorney insists she was a model of patience over an exhausting five-year case, and that the 21-minute hearing was an exception.

"This is a one-time occurrence," Thomas Cranmer said.

Gorcyca stresses she didn't misapply the contempt law, but even if she had, unintentional errors are not grounds for discipline.

"None of these attorneys (is) appealing Gorcyca's decision," Cranmer said. "If she made a mistake, that is not judicial misconduct, end of story, period."

The video shows Gorcyca originally denied making a gesture during the hearing, but she later acknowledged it and said she didn't intend to imply the children were crazy. Investigators said the intent was clear. They are asking for a nine-month suspension.

Commissioners commended Gorcyca for the amount of support she has. One hundred attorneys have sent letters attesting to her patience and demeanor. Two of those attorneys asked whether the case would be at this point if the parties who were held in contempt were adults, suggesting a double standard might be in play. Others questioned whether a nine-month suspension was appropriate.

Sign up for ClickOnDetroit Email Newsletters (click here) for more stories like this.


About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.