SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Supreme Court has censured former Polk County Circuit Court Judge Fred Avera for deciding a divorce case two and a half years after it was filed.
The Salem Statesman-Journal (http://is.gd/O9Ur7W ) reports the divorce proceeding was filed in Polk County in February 2009. A one-day trial took place on in April 2010. Avera took the matter under advisement, where it remained for more than a year.
During that time, another judge retired and the caseload did not get back under control until months after another judge was elected in January 2011.
Court records show Avera apologized when he issued his decision on the divorce case. He also agreed with the Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability that the censure was appropriate.
Avera retired Dec. 31, 2011 and Gov. John Kitzhaber appointed Norm Hill to replace him.
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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com
