A New York City criminal court judge was formally admonished by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct for displaying a firearm during a court proceeding in an attempt to challenge a police officer’s testimony. The incident, which took place in 2025, involved Judge Jeffrey Gershuny drawing his personal pistol in the courtroom.

The judge’s action aimed to test whether the police officer could have accurately identified a suspect carrying a gun concealed within a shopping bag, as the officer had claimed. The commission described Judge Gershuny’s conduct as a "little experiment" that was inappropriate for courtroom decorum and warranted official censure.

The commission’s announcement on Tuesday outlined that the judge’s decision to introduce the weapon during the testimony was ill-advised and raised concerns about its impact on the integrity of judicial proceedings. While the judge’s intent was reportedly to assess the credibility of the officer’s identification, the measure was viewed as undermining the seriousness of the courtroom environment.

The judicial ethics body’s censure is a formal reprimand but does not impose penalties such as suspension or removal from the bench. The commission’s action underscores its expectation that judges maintain professionalism and refrain from conduct that could disrupt the courtroom or affect the fairness of trials.

No further disciplinary measures have been announced, and Judge Gershuny remains in his position. The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing innovative courtroom tactics with adherence to established legal standards.