A deputy court clerk, with whom you have become good friends, uses the judge's signature stamp to dismiss a case against her boyfriend. You find out about it. What do you do?

• A. This is not only an ethical violation, but it is also a crime. It is tampering with a governmental record. You should report it to your supervisor, judge, and chief of police immediately.
• B. Ignore it.
• C. Inform the boyfriend directly that it was wrong but keep it confidential.
• D. Transfer to another department.

Answer: (A)

When you witness someone using the judge’s signature stamp to dismiss a case, you’re seeing a serious manipulation of government records and a crime. The correct response is to report it through the proper channels so the matter can be investigated and handled lawfully. Tell your supervisor, the judge, and the chief of police, and preserve any evidence you have. This approach protects the integrity of the courts, maintains accountability, and upholds due process.

Ignoring it or informing the boyfriend directly avoids accountability and does nothing to safeguard records or prevent further wrongdoing. Transferring departments doesn’t address the misconduct and can look like avoidance of duty.