Emily Mueller Reprimanded

The Oklahoma Supreme Court publicly reprimanded Special Judge Emily Mueller, of Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties, for a documented pattern of rude conduct and bias against certain attorneys and courthouse staff, along with an improper ex parte communication in which she discussed case issues with one side outside the other's presence. The findings, supported by affidavits and statements from multiple attorneys and courthouse staff, cited violations of judicial rules governing decorum and demeanor and ex parte communications. The state's Council on Judicial Complaints had recommended only a private reprimand and mandatory judicial education, but the Oklahoma Supreme Court determined that was insufficient and imposed a public reprimand instead, specifically to deter similar behavior. Responding to the findings, Mueller attributed her demeanor to not being a "morning person," describing her behavior as "hateful" only in the sense of being grumpy early in the day rather than acknowledging bias.