Judge's tantrum could cost him job

PITTSBURGH, July 21 (UPI) -- Pennsylvania's State Court of Judicial Discipline has concluded that a judge acted improperly when he dismissed 30 traffic cases in a fit of pique.

Allegheny County District Judge Ernest L. Marraccini faces another hearing to determine a penalty, which could be include removal from office, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

Marraccini was filling in for another judge two years ago when he told a group of 30 defendants that their cases had been dismissed. When they remained in the waiting room, he asked if they were "morons" and if they understood English.