judicial conduct commission ky

The JEC has withdrawn some of its formal opinions due to changes in the rules, statutes and case law. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. 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. The hearing included testimony from attorney Lisa DeRenard that Jameson repeatedly asked her to support his reelection campaign against public defender Andrea Moore. In vacating the suspension, the high court did not weigh in on the validity of the misconduct allegations. Box 682Somerset, KY 42502-0682606-677-4112, Graydon2400 Chamber Center Drive, Suite 300Fort Mitchell, KY 41017859-578-3070. "Unfortunately for Judge Jameson, altruistic intentions do not overcome or eliminatehis serious violations of the Canons of Judicial Conduct," the order continues. The rules governing the commission require confidentiality during the investigation process. 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. Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller as chair. The Judicial Conduct Commission, which investigates allegations of ethical wrongdoing by judges, first issued nine charges of ethics violations against her last November.. The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Home Chambers5 Cleveland Ave., Suite 500Winchester, KY 40391Phone: 859-901-1616 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 27, 2016, Family Court Judge Kathy W. Stein, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. Mismanaging his courtroom and engaging in acts of retaliation and deviating from acceptable standards of judicial conduct. The Judicial Ethics Committee operates under 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. The complaint form is available in PDF format and is fillable online. 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.. Fax: 859-901-1618, State Capitol700 Capital Ave., Room 231Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-564-4162. 1Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, June 17, 2015Proceedings - Feb. 19-April 28, 2015, District Judge Sandra L. McLaughlin, 30th Judicial District, Div. Judge Jamie Jameson took the stand Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, during aJudicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. [Judge Maze's] impartiality might reasonably be questioned. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 4, 2020, Family Court Judge Dawn M. Gentry, 16th Judicial Circuit, Family Div. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 23, 2019, Circuit Judge Allan Ray Bertram, 11th Judicial Circuit, Div. 1. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Justice VanMeter was born in 1958 in Lexington, and was raised in Winchester. The complaint said Atkins consulted with the police officer who was the victim outside the court proceedings and then used the content of the conversation during the sentencing hearing although the officer did not testify. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. The mission of the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct and promote public. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 1, 2015Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . (Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun via AP, File). Formal proceedings and charges against 42nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge James T. Jamie Jameson who presides over Calloway and Marshall counties were detailed in a 254-page document released by the Judicial Conduct Commission of Kentucky Thursday. The complainant is notified of what action is taken unless the disposition is a private admonishment or private reprimand. Noteworthy events Misconduct charges filed (2011) The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission publicly announced in late March 2011 that it was investigating 20 counts of judicial misconduct against . 2Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Nov. 7, 2019Proceedings - May 21, 2018-Nov. 18, 2019, District Judge William W. Roberts, 21st Judicial District, Div. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. Count V: That Jameson repeatedly attempted to obstruct justice and impede the JCC's authority to investigate the charges against him. Russell D. Alred was a Kentucky Circuit Courts judge for the Twenty-Sixth Circuit, serving Harlan County of Kentucky. The other case was a third-degree assault case involving Tarvous Haskins. Currentness (1) Commission shall have authority: . HW[S~W}qJ,{R`*ba_I}Org57U~yu]}.[-2j#z( Justice VanMeter was appointed and then elected to the Fayette Circuit Court bench in 1999 on which he served until his election to the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court affirmed the findings of fact, conclusions of law and final order issuing a public reprimand against Beth Lewis Maze, Judge of the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit, Second Division, holding that the Judicial Conduct Commission appropriately issued a public reprimand. Kentuckys civil legal aid programs, the judiciary, the Kentucky Bar Association, the private bar, law schools, and business and community organizations. All rights reserved. Rule 2.9 - Ex parte Communications (A)A judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications, or consider other communications made to the judge outside the presence of the parties or their lawyers, concerning a pending* or impending* matter, except as follows: Also, the JEC does not respond to inquiries from any person who is not a judge or judicial candidate. Morgan has filed a motion for Atkins to recuse himself in her appeal, which he denied. Count VI: That Jameson had a pattern of noncompliance and interference with the JCC's orders. The Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct defines misconduct through its canons and commentary. The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted Friday to suspend 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson with pay as hearings continue regarding allegations of misconduct levied at the. 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. 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. The complaint said Atkins took the position that as the ultimate fact finder, he had the prerogative to talk to who he wanted and investigate matters independently. Owensboro, KY 42301 Phone: 270-926-0123 Email: . Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky's most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with . Common complaints of ethical misconduct include improper demeanour; failure to properly disqualify when the judge has a conflict of interest; engaging in ex parte communication and failure to . Drawer 31Pikeville, KY 41502-0031606-437-6226, Washington County Judicial Center100 E. Main St, Suite 200Springfield, KY 40069859-336-1076, Webster County Judicial Center35 U.S. Highway 41A South, P.O. 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. If the complaint is not resolved at this stage, the JCC may file formal charges against the judge and hold a fact-finding hearing. All rights reserved. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, May 12, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Frank A. Fletcher, 39th Judicial Circuit, Div. Final disposition of some complaints takes several months or longer. endstream endobj 417 0 obj <>stream If the JCC finds improper conduct by the judge or a disability that seriously interferes with the judges ability to perform judicial duties, the JCC may take any of the following actions: JCC orders are effective 10 days after service on a judge unless the judge appeals to the Supreme Court of Kentucky within that time. 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. Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. Justice VanMeter has been actively involved in a number of community organizations, including Little League Baseball, Lexington Youth Soccer, Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, Parents Place, the University of Kentucky Libraries National Advisory Board, and has served on the vestry of Christ Church Cathedral, on the Vanderbilt University Alumni Board of Directors, and on the Sayre School Board of Trustees. 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 resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. The grant has allowed the KAJC to develop a strategic plan with the goal of giving all Kentuckians access to justice for their essential civil legal needs. Judicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie | 16 January 2023 426 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<9E4A0BA5A930054F8A0C782B6CA91317>]/Index[413 29]/Info 412 0 R/Length 78/Prev 352845/Root 414 0 R/Size 442/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream 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. Increase opportunities for the private bar to provide pro bono representation for low- and moderate-income Kentuckians. Judge Gordon The circuit court clerk will also receive a written statement that no retaliation will be taken against the person who filed the complaint. Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. ", 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. Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE). The JEC will provide an informal opinion to the requestor if it considers the question to be of limited applicability. Count III: That Jameson mismanaged his courtroom, retaliated against individuals and deviated from the acceptable standards of judicial conduct (During the four days of hearings, two points included in this count were dismissed, including an accusation that Jameson required people in his courtroom to attend Riverwoods Recovery over other treatment options and an accusation that he regularly represented Riverwoods as the only intensive out-patient treatment program available). 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. Circuit court clerks perform duties prescribed by the Kentucky Constitution, statutes, rules and administrative procedures that are integral to Kentucky Court of Justice operations. 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. Judicial misconduct comes in many forms and ethical standards address problematic actions, omissions and relationships that deplete public confidence. 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. In one testy exchange, Jameson told commissioners he believed they were being used for political purposes. The commission has received complaints from litigants, attorneys, judges, jurors, citizens, court personnel and prisoners. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. If an individual is found to have engaged in misconduct or be incapacitated, the JCC takes appropriate disciplinary action. She has since filed an appeal. 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 29, 2014, Judicial Candidate Dana M. Cohen, 30th Judicial District, Div. Judge James T. Jameson had been in office since 2016, as a judge of the 42 nd Circuit, which includes Marshall and Calloway counties . 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, June 12, 2018, Circuit Judge Charles L. Cunningham Jr., 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. Fischer filed a suit in federal court Tuesday against the Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC), the body responsible for investigating judicial misconduct, for allegedly violating his First. 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. 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. Communications/Training Coordinator Nan Hanley has more than 20 years of experience with the Kentucky Access to Justice Foundation, a statewide resource center for civil legal aid programs. specialist judicial experience of at least five years in the civil/commercial division of a superior court of record is highly desirable; and experience of the trial of criminal and complex financial cases will be an asset. "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? The center offers free legal information for people handling certain civil legal matters on their own. Judicial Conduct Commission Kentucky Supreme Court Election Opponent General Election Lawsuit Statement Accusations Andrea Moore Primary Election Bid Circuit Court Judge 42nd District Void. Governor Andy Beshear appointed Karem to the Commission on May 27, 2020 to a four-year term, which expires May 27, 2024. 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 Please include your name, mailing address and phone number in the request. In January 2018 . He has been admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, and is a member of the Kentucky and Fayette County Bar Associations. The violations are not a criminal charge. The JCCs mission is to protect the public, to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct, and to promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary. 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. On August 11, 2022, by ", In its findings of fact, the JCC says the allegations it was presented with in initial complaints and in formal hearings "include serious claims of lack of judicial temperament, abuse of contempt power, due process violations, abuse of judicial office/power, improper implementation, use and administration of ankle monitors and processes, fundraising matters, 'bid rigging,' incidents taking place in the Marshall County courthouse investigated by the Marshall County Sheriffs office, obstruction of justice, misuse and abuse of power, various improprieties as a judicial officer, the appearance of impropriety, improper exercise of influence, misusing and abusing the prestige and power of his judicial office, retaliation, and a lack of candor to the relevant tribunals. Expand the delivery and support of Kentucky's civil legal aid programs. It's the second time she has been found to violate rules in Kentucky's . Justice for All planning grant from the National Center for State Courts. Have a news tip? Cayman Islands Judicial & Legal Website | An official website of the Cayman Islands Government - Cayman Islands Judicial & Legal Information Website Video Gallery Opening of the Grand Court | 11 January 2023 Watch on Opening of the Grand Court 11 January 2023 Valedictory Ceremony for Retired Hon. You can find it now at 99.5 FM. She also testified that Jameson put her on the spot at a fundraising event, asking her to speak in support of his campaign. A Kentucky judge who sent one man to jail without a hearing and "strongly castigated" another has been reprimanded. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Example video title will go here for this video, Serial killer documentary | Meet the Casanova Killer called 'more brutal than Bundy'. You have permission to edit this article. This list is not all-inclusive. 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. Click here to see the Code. The conduct occurred inside and outside the courtroom, and in his official capacity. The charges included . 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. "During the sentencing hearing, Judge Atkins disclosed that he contacted the police officer and . In 2022, the KAJC worked with several partners to launch the Fayette County Legal Help Center in Lexington. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. The case this week is being heard by Muhlenberg County Circuit Judge Brian Wiggins. The Commission investigates, reviews complaints against judges, and conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct where evidence is presented" (ky.courts.gov). When the JCC finds sufficient cause, it will conduct a preliminary investigation that may include a meeting with the judge who is the subject of the complaint. All subsequent pleadings are also made public and any hearing related to the charges is public. Crit Luallen, Member . The commission suspended Kenton County District Court Judge Ann Ruttle without pay for seven days from April 15 to April 22. P')WrDVHRgY "jFFXdGKwNXRQ&3MZ"oJ38:3::"94 Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. Long before receiving all of the claims and factual information submitted against him from the Commission, Judge Jameson was informed by persons involved in the local justice system in Marshall County that a group of six or fewer attorneys and at least one member of court personnel were working to submit a diatribe of tainted factual information to the Commission in an attempt to damage Judge Jamesons reputation during an election year to the benefit of his opponent, the response said. 5Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, April 13, 2017, Family Court Judge Kathy W. Stein, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. As part of its strategic plan, the KAJC is currently working to: Capitol Building700 Capital Avenue,Suite 225Frankfort, KY 40601502-564-5493. The JCC is composed of six voting members who serve four-year terms. 2Agreed Order of Permanent Retirement, Dec. 18, 2019, Circuit Judge Beth L. Maze, 21st Judicial Circuit, Div. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission. And in 2019, Kentucky became one of 11 states to receive a Since its inception, the JCC's actions have resulted in removal from the bench, involuntarily retirement and public discipline. 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. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. On Tuesday, the first day of the 2023 . More recently, he earned an LL.M. All rights reserved. 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. hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M 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. If a complaint is not within the JCCs jurisdiction, it will be dismissed without further action. Karem was elected Vice Chair of the Commission July 14, 2020. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible judicial misconduct or wrongdoing may file a complaint. The state Judicial Conduct Commission issued the public reprimand against. While the commission also found 5-0 on that count, the document reads: "The Commission acknowledges the Writ of Prohibition entered by the Kentucky Supreme Court on October 31, 2022, after the conclusion of the Final Hearing, and the deliberation and voting by the Commission. 441 0 obj <>stream And she said Jameson pressured her to make a bar complaint against Amy Harwood-Jackson, a public defender who supports his opponent. Both formal and informal opinions shall be advisory only. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 1, 2015, District Court Judge Cathy E. Prewitt, 34th Judicial Circuit, Div. Download the document below to read the JCC's order in full. For example, if the Commission finds a judge's actions to be misconduct, the Commission can issue sanctions against the judge, or seek the judge's removal from the bench. Many more have resulted in private discipline. Communications between the requestor and the JEC members are confidential. 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. 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 Circuit Judge Atkins Given Public Reprimand by State Judicial Conduct Commission March 2, 2023 News Edge Newsroom News Edge 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. 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. 502-573-2350 . In cases where judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office are found to have engaged in misconduct or to be incapacitated, the commission can take disciplinary action, including issuing admonitions, reprimands, censures, suspensions or removal from office. 4 In September 2017, Kentucky's Code of Judicial Conduct, SCR 4.300, was based on the 1990 Model Code of Judicial Conduct. 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. 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. [1] 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. Count VII: That Jameson engaged in acts of intimidation. When Kentucky (20-9, 11-5 Southeastern Conference) closes out the home portion of the schedule against Vanderbilt (16-13, 9-7) Wednesday night, the No. . influences and must conduct him/herself at all times in a way that is consistent with the dignity of high judicial office. 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 . Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. In 2017, Chief Justice Minton named Jameson was suspended with pay on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, following testimony that he pressured a lawyer practicing in his court to support his reelection campaign. The mission of the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct and promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of Kentuckys judiciary. 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. The code provides rules that should assist judges and candidates for judicial positions to always maintain the dignity of judicial office and to avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in their professional and personal lives.

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