Western Ky. judge facing charges from state judicial conduct commission 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 18, 2015, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. The resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. Jamesons legal representation argues the facts and opinions that led the commission to make these charges were submitted by individuals who seek to provide political benefit to Jamesons election opponent, Andrea Moore, in his bid for reelection this fall. Combs & Combs203 Main St., P.O. He admitted that his behavior in the videos may have reflected a quick trigger or been the result of particularly stressful days, but he largely defended his actions as necessary to preserve courtroom decorum and punish unacceptable behavior. Commission orders judge removed from office | News | kentuckytoday.com Circuit Court Clerk Conduct CommissionSupreme Court of KentuckyAttention: Chief of Staff and Counsel, State Capitol, Room 235700 Capitol Ave.Frankfort, KY 40601. And she said Jameson pressured her to make a bar complaint against Amy Harwood-Jackson, a public defender who supports his opponent. A public reprimand was issued against Christian County Circuit Judge John L. Atkins, after finding that he improperly contacted a police officer who [] ", The commission goes on to say: "Although theinitial complaint for the instant action came from a sole defendant disgruntled by the anklemonitor process and administration, the ultimate evidence presented at the Final Hearingestablished that those allegations were the tip of the iceberg of the improper and wrongfulconduct of Judge Jameson involving the community corrections board he created,established, implemented, oversaw, and administered. A Kentucky judge who sent one man to jail without a hearing and "strongly castigated" another has been reprimanded. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands for minor technical violations to removal from office for major violations. Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . Section 106(10)(a) of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 ("the Constitution") requires the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to draw up a code of conduct for the judiciary. Judicial Conduct Commission Contact - Kentucky Court of Justice (Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun via AP, File). Judicial Misconduct and Public Confidence in the Rule of Law Kentucky Court of Justice - Kentucky Court of Justice Download the WHAS11 News app now. Since its inception, the JCC's actions have resulted in removal from the bench, involuntarily retirement and public discipline. The commission is responsible for disciplinary actions taken against judges. 1Public Reprimand, Sept. 9, 2020, District Judge Donna G. Dutton, 53rd Judicial District, Div. From 1994 to 1999, he served as a judge of the Fayette District Court, 22nd District, Division 1. Kenton County District Judge Ann Ruttle will be suspended without pay for two weeks in May after Kentucky's Judicial Conduct Commission determined she broke several conduct rules in September 2021 . An Owensboro, Ky., judge accused of misusing her position to influence criminal cases that involved her adult son has been ordered removed from the bench. When needed, the JCC conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct. If the JCC files formal charges against a judge, the JCC makes public the charges and any response from the judge. Other opinions that are currently valid should be followed with caution in light of recent federal court rulings that are on appeal. 13 In Nicholson v. Currentness (1) Commission shall have authority: . Recent cases | Judicial ethics and discipline Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 1, 2015Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. Kenton County District Judge Ann Ruttle among two disciplined by KY Judicial Conduct Commission. Judicial misconduct is different. The order the commission issued Friday found Jameson guilty of all counts. The case this week is being heard by Muhlenberg County Circuit Judge Brian Wiggins. The Writ vacated and set aside the Commissions Order of Temporary Suspension and declared it void ab initio. 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. The JCC is composed of six voting members who serve four-year terms. Unless a resolution is reached between the Judicial and Jameson in the next 15 days, there will be a public hearing, the circuit court judge told WKMS late Thursday. The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. FAQ - Texas 413 0 obj <> endobj The circuit court clerk will also receive a written statement that no retaliation will be taken against the person who filed the complaint. ", In the final order, the commission says Jameson's misconduct "was not isolated but was a pattern of repeated conduct over an extended period of time. Kentucky judge removed from the bench for misconduct | Lexington Herald In 1978, this Court concluded that the words "for good cause" found in Kentucky's Constitution supply sufficiently definite notice to inform a judge of the type of conduct for which the judge could be disciplined. Operating under Supreme Court of Kentucky rules, the JCC investigates complaints of judicial misconduct, wrongdoing or disability. Kentucky Supreme Court hopeful Joe Fischer sues to block sanctions Box 4266Frankfort, KY 40604-4266. "Tojustify his conduct, he expressed his belief that 'generational' differences motivate modernjudges to be more involved in finding solutions to societys problems," the order states. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. This is what a judge ought to be doing,'" Jameson said. Also, the JEC does not respond to inquiries from any person who is not a judge or judicial candidate. Kentucky judge ordered removed from bench for abuse of power Conduct board on judge's suspension: People mocked, policies ignored Count V: That Jameson repeatedly attempted to obstruct justice and impede the JCC's authority to investigate the charges against him. Have a news tip? Affirming the decision of the Judicial Conduct Commission, the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld the removal of a judge for (1) coercing members of her guardian ad litem panel to donate the maximum amount to her campaign and to use personal time to campaign on her behalf; using court staff to work on her campaign during work hours; and taking steps "I honestly believe 100% when the people from the community I grew up in see what they are labeling as allegations and charges [they'll say], 'Why in the world does anybody think this is wrong? Justice VanMeter practiced law with the Lexington firm of Stoll, Keenon & Park from 1983 to 1994, where his practice areas included equine law, business planning and organizations, real estate, taxation, estate planning, trusts and probate. Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. 2Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Dec. 19, 2017Proceedings Sept. 11-Oct. 30, 2017, District Court Judge Jennifer H. Leibson, 30th Judicial District, Div. Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky's most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with . HW[S~W}qJ,{R`*ba_I}Org57U~yu]}.[-2j#z( Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. Jameson is facing four charges of misconduct from the commission, including allegedly: The document released by the commission fully outlines each charge, citing laws, statutes and codes of conduct as they apply to Jameson charges. Russell D. Alred - Ballotpedia MURRAY - Former 42nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge James (Jamie) Jameson released a letter Wednesday from Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC) and an accompanying press release which claims the JCC "reopened" its case against Jameson "for the purpose of dismissing all charges against" him; however, the JCC's attorney disagrees with that interpretation. Panel reprimands KY judge for behavior in court - Lexington Herald Leader P')WrDVHRgY "jFFXdGKwNXRQ&3MZ"oJ38:3::"94 You can then save and print the form and mail or email it to the JCC. The other case was a third-degree assault case involving Tarvous Haskins. Judge Julie Hawes Gordon has failed not only my family but a lot of oth Crit Luallen, Member . Actions can include admonition, reprimand, suspension or removal from office. State commission disciplines Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins with a Deliberations in reaching any decision regarding the charges are not public. Kenton County District Court Judge Ann Ruttle will be suspended for two weeks without pay in May after the Judicial Conduct Commission found she denied appointment of council to a defendant in 2021 who couldn't afford one in a criminal case, according to court records. He received his undergraduate degree with a major in history in 1980 from Vanderbilt University, and his J.D. 1Amended Agreed Order of Suspension, Dec. 7, 2015, Circuit Court Judge Steven D. Combs, 35th Judicial Circuit, Div. 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. Judge Donna Dutton of Shelbyville, KY; ethical goblin Expand the delivery and support of Kentucky's civil legal aid programs. Circuit Judge Atkins Reprimanded By State Judicial Conduct Commission A reprimand is one of several disciplinary actions that can be taken by the judicial commission. State judicial commission orders west Ky. judge facing misconduct And in 2019, Kentucky became one of 11 states to receive a The rules governing the commission require confidentiality during the investigation process. She has since filed an appeal. 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. Complaints cannot be anonymous. All subsequent pleadings are also made public and any hearing related to the charges is public. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. Justice VanMeter served the Court of Appeals as acting Chief Judge during 2010, as Chief Judge Pro Tempore from 2007 to 2010, as its representative on the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Judiciary from 2004 to 2012, and as its alternate member on the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission from 2012 to 2016. He formerly served on the Board of Trustees of the Kentucky Judicial Form Retirement Systems from 2009 to 2018, serving as chairman of that Board for two terms (2012-16, and 2017-18), with an intervening term as chairman of the Judicial Retirement Fund Investment Committee (2016-17). You can find it now at 99.5 FM. The JCC announced its decision Friday, about two weeks after it held a four-day hearing on the misconduct allegations against Jameson. 5th Supreme Court District - Kentucky Court of Justice The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Jan. 17, 2019, District Judge Sandra L. McLaughlin, 30th Judicial District, Div. The JCC carefully reviews complaints to determine if they are within its jurisdiction. Petition Julie Hawes Gordon Change.org Download the document below to read the JCC's order in full. UK Cats' senior night to honor six seniors the most in the John Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie | 16 January 2023 He is a member of Christ Church Cathedral. The commission suspended Kenton County District Court Judge Ann Ruttle without pay for seven days from April 15 to April 22. Kenton County judge suspended for not allowing defendant to have lawyer Kentucky judge, hit with 45 ethics violations in July, is ordered removed from the bench Andrew Wolfson Louisville Courier Journal The Judicial Conduct Commission found Friday that Circuit. The Supreme Court can affirm, modify or set aside in whole or in part the JCCs order or remand the action to the JCC for further proceedings. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. JCC proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. PoorBest. Justice VanMeter served the Court of Appeals as acting Chief Judge during 2010, as Chief Judge Pro Tempore from 2007 to 2010, as its representative on the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Judiciary from 2004 to 2012, and as its alternate member on the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission from 2012 to 2016. The commission assists the chief justice of Kentucky and the Supreme Court of Kentucky by receiving and investigating these complaints and making recommendations to the chief justice for action. Judge Donna Dutton of Shelbyville, KY; ethical goblin. 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. Judge Atkins reprimanded by Judicial Conduct Commission By New Era Staff Mar 2, 2023 Updated Mar 2, 2023 0 John Atkins Christian County Circuit Judge John L. Atkins was issued a public. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Increase resources and funding for access to justice in civil legal matters. The JEC elects a chair of the committee. 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. Circuit Judge Atkins Reprimanded By State Judicial Conduct Commission If an individual is found to have engaged in misconduct or be incapacitated, the JCC takes appropriate disciplinary action. 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. Judicial Conduct Commission releases extensive document charging Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. The post-holder must be able to demonstrate procedural fairness in all Court cases and deal tactfully and courteously with participants in such cases all with as well as the public. The Supreme Court created the Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission after consulting with the full membership of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks and adopting an administrative procedure that became effective Jan. 1, 2013. For historical purposes, however, the opinions considered invalid and withdrawn are still contained on the website. Jameson was also accused of unbecoming conduct. 502-573-2350 . In 2017, Chief Justice Minton named This story has been updated. The state Judicial Conduct Commission issued the public reprimand against. Judicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. Even without the complaintsinvolving the community corrections board, its operation and administration, and theassociated rigging of the bid process, the other conduct of Judge Jameson established by theclear and convincing evidence presented at the Temporary Suspension Hearing and FinalHearing is sufficient to justify the Commissions decision herein, and the discipline imposedof removal from office. The Judicial Conduct Commission found Shan guilty of engaging in the following misconduct. %PDF-1.7 % 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 7, 2016 Proceedings - April 1-July 5, 2016, District Court Judge Sheila A. Collins, 30th Judicial District, Div. As a result of the complaint, attorneys for Paige Williams and Abby Leach, who are on trial this week for complicity to abuse stemming from the charges against Morgan and Allison Simpson, requested Atkins recuse himself from the case, which he granted. ALRED v. COMMONWEALTH JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION | FindLaw The JCC does not have the authority to review a case for judicial error or to direct a different result in a case. Updated July 14, 2021 4:15 PM A former Bullitt County master commissioner was publicly reprimanded Tuesday by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission over an accusation that he. Communications between the requestor and the JEC members are confidential. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. Jameson contended the deputy posed a security risk, though he mentioned in his text message to McGuire that he believed the deputy was acting in the interest of his opponent. "There is no doubt that he has broughtthe integrity and respect for the judiciary within Calloway and Marshall Counties intodisrepute and that his improper actions violate the Canons. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 27, 2016, Family Court Judge Kathy W. Stein, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. All rights reserved. NKY judge Ann Ruttle suspended without pay - The Enquirer The state of Kentucky presented Robert B. Conley with a law license in 1981 after he graduated from Northern Kentucky University School of Law. hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M 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. The complaint form is provided in a fillable PDF format for users to type their information into the form. Judicial Conduct Commission declares Judge Jamie Jameson unfit for He is a Fellow of the University of Kentucky, a Life Fellow of the Kentucky Bar Foundation, and a Founding Fellow of the Fayette County Bar Foundation. 502-573-2350 . Final disposition of some complaints takes several months or longer. The commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Count IV: That Jameson used his influence and the prestige of his office to pressure people to donate to or support his political campaign. That suspension was vacated by the Kentucky Supreme Court on Monday, because the JCC voted to suspend Jameson on a 3-2 vote, when the law requires at least four votes to suspend a judge. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 4 min ago FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission on Thursday released its reports in cases involving disciplinary action against two sitting judges, a circuit judge in western Kentucky and a district judge in northern Kentucky. Jameson called character witnesses on his behalf, including local attorneys and a circuit clerk who praised his behavior as professional and said he treated defendants, attorneys and law enforcement with respect. He noted his work with the Community Corrections Board and their efforts to abate drug addiction in the district. Judicial Conduct Commission Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating high quality open legal information. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands to recommendation of removal from office. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. The commission only has the authority to review complaints made against elected circuit court clerks and not the nonelected deputy circuit court clerks or office staff. Upon taking office on January 2, 2017, he became just the third Justice to have served at all four levels of Kentucky unified court system.