For historical purposes, however, the opinions considered invalid and withdrawn are still contained on the website. Increase resources and funding for access to justice in civil legal matters. He put great thought, planning and effort into the community corrections board matters and bid rigging, and he repeatedly abused the courts contempt powers, violating the due process rights of those in his courtroom. 1Amended Agreed Order of Suspension, Dec. 7, 2015, Circuit Court Judge Steven D. Combs, 35th Judicial Circuit, Div. Christian County Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins has received a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission regarding his conduct in a pair of criminal cases he oversaw. . NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct - Government of New York 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 7, 2016 Proceedings - April 1-July 5, 2016, District Court Judge Sheila A. Collins, 30th Judicial District, Div. If the JEC considers the question to have sufficient general interest and importance, it will render a formal opinion that will be published without identifying the requestor. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. Count VII: That Jameson engaged in acts of intimidation. Mismanaging his courtroom and engaging in acts of retaliation and deviating from acceptable standards of judicial conduct. 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 29, 2014, Judicial Candidate Dana M. Cohen, 30th Judicial District, Div. The Judicial Conduct Commission, which investigates allegations of ethical wrongdoing by judges, first issued nine charges of ethics violations against her last November.. Jameson is up for reelection, but the panel went further to say that he is unfit for office in . The Judicial Conduct Commission voted unanimously to permanently remove Daviess Family Judge Julie Hawes Gordon, writing that she abused her position "over an extended period of time and over . 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. And using the influence and prestige of his office to pressure attorneys, individuals, and groups to fund and support your political campaign, going as far as saying that certain monetary contributions were not sufficient.. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), Supreme Court Order Appointing Members to KJCMH, Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. endstream endobj 417 0 obj <>stream PADUCAH The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission has ordered the removal of 42nd Circuit Court Judge Jamie Jameson from office and his disqualification from the Nov. 8 election in an order handed down Friday afternoon. While the majority of Kentucky's circuit court clerks are committed to maintaining the high standards expected of the office, an effective method of imposing sanctions on circuit court clerks who engage in misconduct or wrongdoing is essential to the efficient operation of the judicial system. The KJCMH is charged with exploring, recommending, andimplementing transformational changes to improve system wide responses to justice-involved individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or intellectual and developmentaldisabilities. his work with the Community Corrections Board and their efforts to abate drug addiction in the district, Western Ky. judge disqualified from hearing criminal cases, West Ky. judge ordered to vacate office after misconduct charges loses reelection bid, State judicial commission orders west Ky. judge facing misconduct charges be removed from office, Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the creation and development of an ankle monitoring program and failing to separate himself as circuit judge from his duties on the board, creating the appearance of impropriety to the public.. HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. A Kentucky judge was suspended with pay on Friday following testimony that he pressured a lawyer practicing in his court to support his reelection campaign. The code is intended to provide guidance and assist judges in maintaining the highest standards of judicial and personal conduct, and to provide a basis for regulating their conduct through disciplinary agencies. Count I: That Jameson acted as the alter ego of the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the creation and development of an ankle monitoring program and failed to separate himself as judge from his duties at the CCP, creating the appearance of impropriety to the public. The complaint filed with the judicial commission said Atkins entered the gallery during jury deliberations and spoke with the victims families and members of the church. The resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. The Commission investigates, reviews complaints against judges, and conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct where evidence is presented" (ky.courts.gov). Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. Circuit Judge Atkins Reprimanded By State Judicial Conduct Commission In addition, Justice VanMeter has served on the Probate and Trust Legislative Committee of the Kentucky Bar Association, the Family Court Rules and the Civil Rules Committees of the Kentucky Supreme Court, the Chief Justices Fayette County Family Court Task Force, and is a frequent speaker for continuing legal education. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the JCC. "Unfortunately for Judge Jameson, altruistic intentions do not overcome or eliminatehis serious violations of the Canons of Judicial Conduct," the order continues. PDF Cayman Islands Government Judiciary Job Description 1Agreed Order of Suspension, May 12, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Frank A. Fletcher, 39th Judicial Circuit, Div. Prior to being elected to the Supreme Court, Justice VanMeter served thirteen years as a Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, having been elected in November 2003, and being re-elected unopposed in 2006 and 2014. In vacating the suspension, the high court did not weigh in on the validity of the misconduct allegations. Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller as chair. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. 5Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Aug. 31, 2020Proceedings - Nov. 18, 2019-Aug. 12, 2020, District Judge Robert F. Wright, 35th Judicial District, Div. As a result, Count VI is now not considered by or factored into the discipline imposed by the Commission herein. 5th Supreme Court District - Kentucky Court of Justice This story has been updated. By Tom LatekKentucky TodayA sitting circuit judge in Western Kentucky has been ordered removed from office by the Judicial Conduct Commission.Judge James T. Jameson had been in office since The JCC says its members believe they have the legal basis to "find and conclude that Judge Jameson should be permanently removed from judicial office because the totality of the clear and convincing evidence presented at the Temporary Suspension Hearing and Final Hearing established that he is unfit for judicial office.". While the majority of Kentucky's judges are committed to maintaining the high standards expected of the judiciary, an effective method of imposing sanctions on judges who engage in misconduct or wrongdoing is essential to the efficient operation of the judicial system. It is the Commissionsconclusion that there are other, deep-seated issues to be addressed with Judge Jameson butthese are well beyond the jurisdiction of the Commission.". If no misconduct is found, the complaint will be dismissed. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. His violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct were extensive and frequent. Judicial Misconduct and Public Confidence in the Rule of Law Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted 3-2 to suspend 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson following a daylong hearing in which he told commissioners they were being used for political purposes, The Paducah Sun reported. From 1994 to 1999, he served as a judge of the Fayette District Court, 22nd District, Division 1. He noted his work with the Community Corrections Board and their efforts to abate drug addiction in the district. Each member serves a four-year term. Conduct board on judge's suspension: People mocked, policies ignored Judicial Conduct Commission - Kentucky Court of Justice endstream endobj 414 0 obj <> endobj 415 0 obj <> endobj 416 0 obj <>stream A judge or judicial candidate can request a JEC opinion by contacting Executive Secretary Jean Collier, Esq., Judicial Ethics Committee, Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse, 150 N. Limestone, Suite 301, Lexington, KY 40507, 859-246-2296. Count IV: That Jameson used his influence and the prestige of his office to pressure people to donate to or support his political campaign. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct cannot exercise appellate review of a case or change the decision or ruling of any court. Judicial conduct commission releases report against 2 judges Russell D. Alred was a Kentucky Circuit Courts judge for the Twenty-Sixth Circuit, serving Harlan County of Kentucky. Identify and remove barriers impeding access to the courts. 10Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, April 21, 2016Proceedings - Jan. 11-April 18, 2016, District Court Judge Kenneth L. Easterling, 16th Judicial District, Div. In one testy exchange, Jameson told commissioners he believed they were being used for political purposes. in 1983 from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Kentucky Law Journal. 4 In September 2017, Kentucky's Code of Judicial Conduct, SCR 4.300, was based on the 1990 Model Code of Judicial Conduct. Count VI: That Jameson had a pattern of noncompliance and interference with the JCC's orders. The commissions purpose is to support circuit court clerks in maintaining high standards of integrity, impartiality and independence in order to promote public confidence in the judicial system. The rules governing the JCC require confidentiality during the investigation process. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission - Ballotpedia Expand the delivery and support of Kentucky's civil legal aid programs. If an individual is found to have engaged in misconduct or be incapacitated, the JCC takes appropriate disciplinary action. %%EOF 6Agreed Order of Suspension, March 21, 2017Agreed Order of Temporary Suspension From Duties Pending Final Adjudication, March 15, 2017, Circuit Court Judge Ronnie C. Dortch, 38th Judicial Circuit, Div. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Oct. 7, 2013, Senior Status Special Judge (former) Martin F. McDonald Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Final Order & Public Reprimand, Aug. 12, 2013Proceedings - May 13-Aug. 12, 2013, Circuit Judge Timothy L. Langford, 1st Judicial CircuitFindings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order & Public Reprimand, Sept. 28, 2012-June 17, 2013, Judicial Conduct CommissionP.O. Following the vote, Jameson called it "part of modern-day politics, and said he would stay the course.. Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted 3-2 to suspend 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson following a daylong hearing in which he told commissioners they were being used for. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Panel reprimands KY judge for behavior in court - Lexington Herald Leader Partner with other service providers to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide delivery system. U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell on Monday denied Fischer's request that she block the state Judicial Conduct Commission from further action against his campaign over complaints it had. The Judicial Conduct Commission of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Commission) was created for the purpose of, and is vested with the jurisdiction to initiate, hear and decide charges of official misconduct by any judge of the Court of Justice or lawyer whil e a candidate for judicial office, and upon a finding of such official misconduct, to . to the Kentucky Bar Association for possible suspension or disbarment from the practice of law. 1. The JCCs attorney presents the case at the hearing and the judge has the right to defend against the charges and to be represented by an attorney. Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WV News) Monongalia County Magistrate Phillip Todd Gaujot resigned on Monday following an investigation by the Judicial Investigation Commission, which officially admonished him for the second time on Tuesday. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. PoorBest. You have permission to edit this article. She has since filed an appeal. Kentucky judge removed from the bench for misconduct | Lexington Herald The members are four circuit court clerks appointed by the chief justice, one sitting or retired judge appointed by the chief justice, one attorney in good standing with the Kentucky Bar Association appointed by the chief justice and one citizen member appointed by the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks. The evidence to sustain the charges before the Commission must be "clear and convincing." The other case was a third-degree assault case involving Tarvous Haskins. (Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun via AP, File). Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. State commission disciplines Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins with a "During the sentencing hearing, Judge Atkins disclosed that he contacted the police officer and . Emailassign@whas11.com, visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter feed. ALRED v. COMMONWEALTH JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION | FindLaw %PDF-1.7 % HW[S~W}qJ,{R`*ba_I}Org57U~yu]}.[-2j#z( He received his undergraduate degree with a major in history in 1980 from Vanderbilt University, and his J.D.
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