What to Know
- A NJ judge facing discipline after suggesting to a defendant that men "are in control" has acknowledged that the remarks were inappropriate
- Municipal Court Judge Steven Brister's response published Monday called the comments "well-meaning but misguided"
- Brister told a domestic violence suspect that "at best" you treat women "as if you're holding a feather ... let them know you're the man"
A New Jersey judge facing discipline after suggesting to a defendant that men "are in control" has acknowledged that the remarks were inappropriate.
Municipal Court Judge Steven Brister's response published Monday called the comments "well-meaning but misguided."
Brister addressed a defendant facing domestic violence charges in February, telling him you can't go at women like "Mike Tyson," and "at best," you treat women "as if you're holding a feather, just to let them know you're the man and you're in control."
A state judicial conduct advisory committee posted a complaint in October alleging the comments violated conduct rules, were disparaging to women and could create the perception of bias.
Brister sits in East Orange part-time and is an acting judge in Newark. His response Monday said he has recently completed several ethics courses.