1Agreed Order of Suspension, July 10, 2015, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. Each member serves a four-year term. 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. This list is not all-inclusive. His violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct were extensive and frequent. 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 . 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. This is what a judge ought to be doing,'" Jameson said. The charges included . 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. If a complaint results in a hearing, the JCC provides the judge under review with the information compiled during the commissions investigation, including the name of the person who filed the complaint, if relevant. NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct File a Complaint All complaints must be signed and in writing. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands to recommendation of removal from office. Circuit court clerks perform duties prescribed by the Kentucky Constitution, statutes, rules and administrative procedures that are integral to Kentucky Court of Justice operations. 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. Have a news tip? The post holder will be subject to a Code of Conduct promulgated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins was disciplined Thursday with a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. The JEC does not respond to any judge or judicial candidate about the ethical behavior of anyone other than him/herself. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. [1] Box 126Dixon, KY 42409-0126270-639-5506, Pulaski County Court of Justice50 Public Square, P.O. A public reprimand was issued against Christian County Circuit Judge John L. Atkins, after finding that he improperly contacted a police officer who [] Linda AveryCalloway County Circuit Court Clerk, Loretta CradyHardin County Circuit Court Clerk, Stephanie King-LogsdonMcLean County Circuit Court Clerk, Mike ReddenPendleton County Circuit Court Clerk, Vincent RiggsFayette County Circuit Court Clerk, Tommy GarrettMetcalfe County Circuit Court Clerk, Craig OverstreetCasey County Circuit Court Clerk, Tyler PhillipsLee County Circuit Court Clerk. 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. The JCC does not have the authority to review a case for judicial error or to direct a different result in a case. The commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. 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.". 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. He is a member of Christ Church Cathedral. When needed, the JCC conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct. g:JZp{yxG5/mkV3?8zjwe)c,aBg*; 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 . "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 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. Complaints cannot be anonymous. Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. Jamesons more than 70-page response to the charges, as well as exhibits submitted as evidence in response to them including emails, texts, messages, documents and statements from staff, friends and his personal physician are also included in the commission document. Judge James T. Jameson had been in office since 2016, as a judge of the 42 nd Circuit, which includes Marshall and Calloway counties . 2Agreed Order of Permanent Retirement, Dec. 18, 2019, Circuit Judge Beth L. Maze, 21st Judicial Circuit, Div. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. R|lW"f98g0:N{\:s[iUkV0Oe*j4}4OS*ENL4#T'fvL6tx Justice VanMeter currently serves as chairman of the Kentucky Evidence Rules Review Commission, as Co-Chair of the Supreme Courts Civil Rules Committee, and is the Supreme Courts liaison to the Kentucky Bar Associations Continuing Legal Education Commission and to the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions. These functions are handled through the appeal process available through the appropriate appellate court. 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 18, 2015, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. %%EOF Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie | 16 January 2023 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. Judge Donna Dutton of Shelbyville, KY; ethical goblin. 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. 502-573-2350 . 502-573-2350 . 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 . 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . Combs & Combs203 Main St., P.O. 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. In 2017, Chief Justice Minton named Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. The evidence to sustain the charges before the Commission must be "clear and convincing." 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. 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. All rights reserved. ", 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. 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. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. Jameson has been involved in a lengthy legal battle with the commission after being accused of seven counts of misconduct. This story has been updated. Jameson also took the stand in his own defense. endstream endobj startxref 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 4, 2020, Family Court Judge Dawn M. Gentry, 16th Judicial Circuit, Family Div. 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Feb. 24, 2017, Family Court Judge Timothy N. Philpot, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. SCR 4.020 Jurisdiction. 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. 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. 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. 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. You can fill out our complaint form online, print the form and mail it, or send us a letter describing the alleged misconduct. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. 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. Expand the delivery and support of Kentucky's civil legal aid programs. Jameson was placed under a temporary, paid suspension by the JCC back in August pending the results of the proceedings. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Court of Appeals Judge Jeff S. Taylor, 2nd Appellate District, 1st Division, Pike County Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman, 35th Judicial Circuit, Division 1, Carroll/Grant/Owen Counties District Judge Elizabeth A. Chandler, 15th Judicial District, Division 1, Carroll M. "Trip" Redford III, Lexington, Court of Appeals Judge Glenn E. Acree, 5th Appellate District, 2nd Division, Jefferson Circuit Judge Mitch Perry, 30th Judicial Circuit, Division 3, Green/Marion/Taylor/Washington Counties District Judge Amy S. Anderson, 11th Judicial District, Division 1, Agreed Order of Suspension, March 1, 2023, Formal Proceedings, June 13, 2022-Oct. 10, 2022Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Nov. 4, 2022, Family Court Judge Julia H. Gordon, 6th Judicial Circuit, Division 3Proceedings, including Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 21, 2021-May 2, 2022Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, April 22, 20222022-SC-0171-RR, Oct. 22, 2022, John A. Schmidt, Bullitt County Master Commissioner (former)Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, July 13, 2021Proceedings Aug. 18, 2020-Jan. 8, 2021, Circuit Judge Robert Conley, 20th Judicial Circuit, Div. Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. The members include one member and one alternate from District Court, Circuit Court and the Kentucky Court of Appeals, each chosen by a majority vote of their respective courts; one member and one alternate appointed by the governing body of the Kentucky Bar Association; and two citizen members (neither judges nor attorneys) appointed by the governor. 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. They have a prominent role as the face of the Office of Circuit Court Clerk for the statewide judicial system. 1Public Reprimand, Sept. 9, 2020, District Judge Donna G. Dutton, 53rd Judicial District, 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. 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 29, 2014, Judicial Candidate Dana M. Cohen, 30th Judicial District, Div. Judge Julie Hawes Gordon has failed not only my family but a lot of oth If a complaint is not within the JCCs jurisdiction, it will be dismissed without further action. The complaint form is available in PDF format and is fillable online. 02 Mar 2023 17:49:48 he was the victim of the alleged assault by the defendant," the judicial conduct panel wrote in its report. 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. 413 0 obj <> endobj Emailassign@whas11.com, visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter feed. Governor Andy Beshear appointed Karem to the Commission on May 27, 2020 to a four-year term, which expires May 27, 2024. 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. The Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. The hearing included testimony from attorney Lisa DeRenard that Jameson repeatedly asked her to support his reelection campaign against public defender Andrea Moore. The rules governing the commission require confidentiality during the investigation process. Count II: That Jameson acted as the alter ego for the CCB in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. Owensboro, KY 42301 Phone: 270-926-0123 Email: . 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. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. . The state Judicial Conduct Commission Friday ordered a western Kentucky judge facing multiple misconduct charges be removed from office and barred serving the next term in office.. 42nd Judicial . 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. hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M 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. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 23, 2019, Circuit Judge Allan Ray Bertram, 11th Judicial Circuit, Div. 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. 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. Increase public awareness of civil legal aid and the justice system and their positive impact on the state and local communities. It's the second time she has been found to violate rules in Kentucky's . 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 is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms. On Tuesday, the first day of the 2023 . 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. Kentucky Supreme Court vacates temporary suspension of local judge facing misconduct charges, Kentucky Supreme Court: JCC should not have suspended Jameson on less than 4 votes, Witnesses tie up loose ends on final day of Jameson misconduct hearing, More witnesses testify on third day of Jameson misconduct hearing, Jameson testimony continues on second day of misconduct hearing, Court employees, former WKMS manager testify regarding allegations against Judge Jamie Jameson, Jameson explains phone call to local radio station, as JCC issues seventh misconduct charge, Judge Jameson accused of another count of misconduct, total rises to 7, Jameson says new charges issued by JCC are inaccurate, Judge Jamie Jameson's motion to appeal suspension denied, Judge files motion challenging his suspension, Judges appointed to fulfil Jameson's duties during suspension, Judge Jamie Jameson claims Judicial Conduct Commission charges are politically motivated, commission votes to suspend him with pay, Judicial Conduct Commission sets hearing date regarding misconduct charges against local judge, Kentucky judge faces misconduct charges from state agency. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 1, 2015Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. 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. 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. 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. The commission suspended Kenton County District Court Judge Ann Ruttle without pay for seven days from April 15 to April 22. 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. The resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. 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. 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. $8@G t4$},}@IA( cJ)*88#ro~eYIYX}"V |p 3y 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. The Judicial Conduct Commission found Shan guilty of engaging in the following misconduct. 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. As part of the agreement, Gaujot resigned as magistrate and agreed . 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. Judicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. HW[S~W}qJ,{R`*ba_I}Org57U~yu]}.[-2j#z( More recently, he earned an LL.M. The JEC has withdrawn some of its formal opinions due to changes in the rules, statutes and case law. . ADDRESS: 19 D.J Everett Drive, Cadiz, KY 42211 Phone: 270-522-3232 fax: 270-522-1110 email: wkdz@wkdzradio.com, Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 16_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/605.1.15 (KHTML, like Gecko) GSA/253.2.513328941 Mobile/15E148 Safari/604.1, DJ Everett III Scholarship/Mentorship Application, Cadiz Rotary Renewable Grant & Scholarship Application, Cadiz Rotary Need Based Grant Application. 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. 5Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, April 13, 2017, Family Court Judge Kathy W. Stein, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. (2) . 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. Over the past decade, the KAJC has worked to increase access to the courts and legal representation for people of low and moderate income through innovative partnerships with Wakefield interrogated people in open court without regard to their privilege against self-incrimination, according to. DeRenard felt pressured to donate to his campaign, which she did multiple times, she said. 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. The violations are not a criminal charge. Download the document below to read the JCC's order in full. Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program.
