Judge Gordon Judicial Conduct Commission Kentucky Supreme Court Election Opponent General Election Lawsuit Statement Accusations Andrea Moore Primary Election Bid Circuit Court Judge 42nd District Void. SCR 4.020 Jurisdiction. Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. 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. Justice for All planning grant from the National Center for State Courts. On August 11, 2022, by Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), Amendment to Administrative Procedures of Circuit Court Clerks Conduct Commission, Refusal or failure to perform required duties, Refusal or failure to conform to Supreme Court of Kentucky policies and directives. Judicial misconduct comes in many forms and ethical standards address problematic actions, omissions and relationships that deplete public confidence. 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. The commission is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms. 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 . Also, the JEC does not respond to inquiries from any person who is not a judge or judicial candidate. All rights reserved. to the Kentucky Bar Association for possible suspension or disbarment from the practice of law. Currentness (1) Commission shall have authority: . Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. 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 . Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins was disciplined Thursday with a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. Ht0D4p40,:XP@I`HLI P. If the complaint is not resolved at this stage, the JCC may file formal charges against the judge and hold a fact-finding hearing. Download the WHAS11 News app now. Click here to see the Code. 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. This list is not all-inclusive. Other opinions that are currently valid should be followed with caution in light of recent federal court rulings that are on appeal. Example video title will go here for this video, Serial killer documentary | Meet the Casanova Killer called 'more brutal than Bundy'. Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . Operating under Supreme Court of Kentucky rules, the JCC investigates complaints of judicial misconduct, wrongdoing or disability. Those accusations, as presented at the final hearing, include: The findings of fact and final order issued by the JCC on Friday shows the commission members voted 5-0 on each of the counts, finding that Jameson violated state statutes and the Code of Judicial Conduct. 03/3 . Operle spent five years working for Paxton Media/The Paducah Sun as a reporter and editor. 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 violations are not a criminal charge. Final disposition of some complaints takes several months or longer. Actions can include admonition, reprimand, suspension or removal from office. These functions are handled through the appeal process available through the appropriate appellate court. he was the victim of the alleged assault by the defendant," the judicial conduct panel wrote in its report. Download the document below to read the JCC's order in full. 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. Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. More recently, he earned an LL.M. hb```f``a`a`ad@ A+s40311P=J8 $XDXX22C'1Z02J0\`AA&TFE 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. 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. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky's most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with . hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M & Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Morgan has filed a motion for Atkins to recuse himself in her appeal, which he denied. The case this week is being heard by Muhlenberg County Circuit Judge Brian Wiggins. ", 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. 0 READ MORE >> About Us 1. As a result, Count VI is now not considered by or factored into the discipline imposed by the Commission herein. 1Amended Agreed Order of Suspension, Dec. 7, 2015, Circuit Court Judge Steven D. Combs, 35th Judicial Circuit, Div. All rights reserved. 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. Many more have resulted in private discipline. Print the completed form, sign the signature line on page 2 and mail the form to the commission. Kentucky Rules of the Supreme Court (SCR) 4.300. A native of western Kentucky, Operle earned his bachelor's degree in integrated strategic communications from the University of Kentucky in 2014. For historical purposes, however, the opinions considered invalid and withdrawn are still contained on the website. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands for minor technical violations to removal from office for major violations. Karem was elected Vice Chair of the Commission July 14, 2020. JCC proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 23, 2019, Circuit Judge Allan Ray Bertram, 11th Judicial Circuit, Div. From 1994 to 1999, he served as a judge of the Fayette District Court, 22nd District, Division 1. The Judicial Conduct Commission (Commission) determined that Julia Hawes Gordon, Family Court Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Daviess County, Kentucky, committed judicial misconduct as charged in five of the six counts against her and ordered that she be removed from office. priority for the Judicial Branch. 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. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. He was elected to the court in 2006 and was removed from office in July 2012. The Judicial Conduct Commission found Shan guilty of engaging in the following misconduct. The JEC does not respond to any judge or judicial candidate about the ethical behavior of anyone other than him/herself. 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. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, July 10, 2015, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. The Canon and Rules are set out in the Code of Judicial Conduct. 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. 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. Both formal and informal opinions shall be advisory only. Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. 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. 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. Judge James T. Jameson had been in office since 2016, as a judge of the 42 nd Circuit, which includes Marshall and Calloway counties . HW[S~W}qJ,{R`*ba_I}Org57U~yu]}.[-2j#z( Propriety and the Any individual or group with knowledge of possible judicial misconduct or wrongdoing may file a complaint. All rights reserved. 4 In September 2017, Kentucky's Code of Judicial Conduct, SCR 4.300, was based on the 1990 Model Code of Judicial Conduct. Section 121 of the Kentucky Constitution authorizes the Commission to suspend without pay, or to remove, a judge or justice for good cause, with judicial review directly to the Supreme Court. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 1, 2015, District Court Judge Cathy E. Prewitt, 34th Judicial Circuit, Div. Supreme Court Rule 4.310 to respond to inquiries by judges and judicial candidates regarding the ethical implications of their own prospective or on-going conduct. The charges included . . All rights reserved. It went on to say that security cameras should be required in daycare centers. If the JCC files formal charges against a judge, the JCC makes public the charges and any response from the judge. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is the only agency in Kentucky authorized to take disciplinary action against a sitting judge. In 2017, the KBA provided a generous grant that allowed the KAJC to hire full-time staff and the Supreme Court provided office space on the second floor of the Capitol. PoorBest. 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. 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). 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. The commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Since its inception, the JCC's actions have resulted in removal from the bench, involuntarily retirement and public discipline. A Kentucky judge who sent one man to jail without a hearing and "strongly castigated" another has been reprimanded. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. 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. Kentucky will play its first game in the tourney at 9 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals. You can fill out our complaint form online, print the form and mail it, or send us a letter describing the alleged misconduct. Laurance B. VanMeter was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in November 2016 from the 5th Appellate District, comprising Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Scott, and Woodford Counties. Box 4266Frankfort, KY 40604-4266. Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. 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. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE). 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. 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. 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. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 7, 2016 Proceedings - April 1-July 5, 2016, District Court Judge Sheila A. Collins, 30th Judicial District, Div. NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct File a Complaint All complaints must be signed and in writing. The person who filed the complaint may be subpoenaed as a witness if he or she has personal knowledge of wrongdoing. 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 VI: That Jameson had a pattern of noncompliance and interference with the JCC's orders. Judicial Conduct Commission; Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission; Resources for New Judges; Court Personnel Directory; Report Fraud, Waste & Abuse; Request Court Records; COVID-19; Court ADA; Site Map; Policies; Security; Disclaimer; Accessibility; Administrative Office of the Courts. Deliberations in reaching any decision regarding the charges are not public. Justice VanMeter was born in 1958 in Lexington, and was raised in Winchester. 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. The following types of circuit court clerk misconduct may lead to disciplinary actions. 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.. Ruttle violated three rules in the Code of Judicial Conduct for. 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. 23 Wildcats will honor six seniors, the most . Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE). The commission reviews complaints against judges, conducts hearings when warranted and imposes sanctions on judges found to have behaved improperly. The JEC is comprised of one judge from the Court of Appeals, Circuit Court and District Court and two members of the Kentucky Bar Association. In vacating the suspension, the high court did not weigh in on the validity of the misconduct allegations. 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 . . Jameson has been involved in a lengthy legal battle with the commission after being accused of seven counts of misconduct. "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 rules governing the commission require confidentiality during the investigation process. Jameson was placed under a temporary, paid suspension by the JCC back in August pending the results of the proceedings. 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. If the complaint states facts that, if true, would constitute official misconduct or otherwise improper conduct, then a copy of the complaint, including the name of the person who filed the complaint, will be provided to the circuit court clerk under investigation. degree, May 2020, from Duke University School of Law and, in July 2020, was elected to The American Law Institute. 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. Judge Jamie Jameson took the stand Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, during aJudicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. 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.". In 2022, the KAJC worked with several partners to launch the Fayette County Legal Help Center in Lexington. %PDF-1.7 % Count IV: That Jameson used his influence and the prestige of his office to pressure people to donate to or support his political campaign. As part of its strategic plan, the KAJC is currently working to: Capitol Building700 Capital Avenue,Suite 225Frankfort, KY 40601502-564-5493. The KJCMH is charged with exploring, recommending, and implementing transformational changes to improve system wide responses to justice-involved individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Increase public awareness of civil legal aid and the justice system and their positive impact on the state and local communities. For, Updates | Crews continue to restore power as thousands remain in the dark after wind storm; the latest numbers, Group demands accountability following release of body cam footage in 'unintentional' shooting of teens, 'We can handle it': Fans brave the weather for Big Nita's Cheesecake, J&J to end sales of baby powder with talc worldwide next year, One person killed in fatal collision on Rose Island Road, Here's what Louisville Police now know about the suspicious device found downtown. 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. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. 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 . KENTON COUNTY, Ky. (WKRC) - A local judge is suspended again.The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission decided Judge Ann Ruttle was too quick to deny court appoi The State Commission on Judicial Conduct cannot exercise appellate review of a case or change the decision or ruling of any court. 4Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, May 22, 2018, Circuit Judge Timothy L. Langford, 1st Judicial CircuitAgreed Order of Suspension, April 2, 2018Proceedings - Dec. 19, 2017-March 7, 2018, Family Court Judge W. Mitchell Nance, 43rd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. "The Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC) is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. (2) . However, if the question is ever before the Supreme Court, the JEC and the Supreme Court shall take into consideration the judge or judicial candidates reliance upon the JEC opinion. Russell D. Alred was a Kentucky Circuit Courts judge for the Twenty-Sixth Circuit, serving Harlan County of Kentucky. Supreme Court Order 2022-42, the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health (KJCMH) was established. R|lW"f98g0:N{\:s[iUkV0Oe*j4}4OS*ENL4#T'fvL6tx Box 682Somerset, KY 42502-0682606-677-4112, Graydon2400 Chamber Center Drive, Suite 300Fort Mitchell, KY 41017859-578-3070. Morgan, a former First United Methodist Church daycare worker, was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of third-degree criminal abuse last year and was sentenced to one year in jail. Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie | 16 January 2023 Looking for Murray's WKMS Classical Signal? Communications between the requestor and the JEC members are confidential. DeRenard felt pressured to donate to his campaign, which she did multiple times, she said. The Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. You can find it now at 99.5 FM. endstream endobj 417 0 obj <>stream The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. 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. Count II: That Jameson acted as the alter ego for the CCB in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. The resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. 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. The commission is responsible for disciplinary actions taken against judges. [Judge Maze's] impartiality might reasonably be questioned. The JCC is composed of six voting members who serve four-year terms. 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. "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? Download the WHAS11 News app now. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. 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. Supreme Court order to make access to justice a 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. In August, the Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee, an independent, nonpartisan group of citizens, lawyers, former judges and others, said Kentucky's judicial races, according to. The state of Kentucky presented Robert B. Conley with a law license in 1981 after he graduated from Northern Kentucky University School of Law. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 2, 2016, Family Court Judge Lisa Osborne Bushelman, 16th Judicial Circuit, Family Div. 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Feb. 24, 2017, Family Court Judge Timothy N. Philpot, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. The JEC elects a chair of the committee. 441 0 obj <>stream . The complainant is notified of what action is taken unless the disposition is a private admonishment or private reprimand. q 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 .