to the Kentucky Bar Association for possible suspension or disbarment from the practice of law. If an individual is found to have engaged in misconduct or be incapacitated, the JCC takes appropriate disciplinary action. Recent cases | Judicial ethics and discipline Both formal and informal opinions shall be advisory only. 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. 502-573-2350 . Fax: 859-901-1618, State Capitol700 Capital Ave., Room 231Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-564-4162. Jameson was placed under a temporary, paid suspension by the JCC back in August pending the results of the proceedings. 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. 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 is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Supreme Court Order 2022-42, the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health (KJCMH) was established. GORDON v. JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION (2022) | FindLaw The JEC will provide an informal opinion to the requestor if it considers the question to be of limited applicability. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. The Judicial Conduct Commission, which investigates allegations of ethical wrongdoing by judges, first issued nine charges of ethics violations against her last November.. Identify and remove barriers impeding access to the courts. Judicial Ethics Committee - Kentucky Court of Justice 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 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. 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. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. Panel reprimands KY judge for behavior in court - Lexington Herald Leader 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. Judge Donna Dutton of Shelbyville, KY; ethical goblin Judicial Conduct Commission declares Judge Jamie Jameson unfit for office, disqualifies him from upcoming election, Your photos of ice and snow, Jan. 30-Feb. 1. 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 "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? 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. 03/3 . Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky's most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with . You have permission to edit this article. Mismanaging his courtroom and engaging in acts of retaliation and deviating from acceptable standards of judicial conduct. 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. 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 . Judge Jamie Jameson took the stand Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, during aJudicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. Complaints cannot be anonymous. Jameson was also accused of unbecoming conduct. PDF Cayman Islands Government Judiciary Job Description Owensboro, KY 42301 Phone: 270-926-0123 Email: . 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. 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. 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. The Canon and Rules are set out in the Code of Judicial Conduct. As part of the agreement, Gaujot resigned as magistrate and agreed . 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. Jameson is up for reelection, but the panel went further to say that he is unfit for office in . The Commission investigates, reviews complaints against judges, and conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct where evidence is presented" (ky.courts.gov). The other case was a third-degree assault case involving Tarvous Haskins. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the JCC. The case this week is being heard by Muhlenberg County Circuit Judge Brian Wiggins. 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. 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. 23 Wildcats will honor six seniors, the most . 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. If a complaint is not within the JCCs jurisdiction, it will be dismissed without further action. The rules governing the commission require confidentiality during the investigation process. The resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Kenton County District Judge Ann Ruttle among two disciplined by KY Judicial Conduct Commission. Have a news tip? vB&!nBP\Ni,(E:*{FX4SyD!28M1p?gq{Yg&(1F1;. SCR 4.020 Jurisdiction. The Judicial Ethics Committee operates under
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 Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC) is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Northern Kentucky judge Ann Ruttle suspended again with no pay Ethics Commission Commission Members and Staff - Kentucky Judge Atkins reprimanded by Judicial Conduct Commission A Kentucky judge who sent one man to jail without a hearing and "strongly castigated" another has been reprimanded. . ALRED v. COMMONWEALTH JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION | FindLaw 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. (2) . 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 Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. 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. 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 . The attorney in question served on Judge Gentry's GAL panel. His late wife, Lucy Bryans VanMeter, and he are the parents of four children. Following the vote, Jameson called it "part of modern-day politics, and said he would stay the course.. JCC proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. Each member serves a four-year term. . 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 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. Please include your name, mailing address and phone number in the request. You can fill out our complaint form online, print the form and mail it, or send us a letter describing the alleged misconduct. %PDF-1.7
%
The order the commission issued Friday found Jameson guilty of all counts. For historical purposes, however, the opinions considered invalid and withdrawn are still contained on the website. 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 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 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. [1] The complainant is notified of what action is taken unless the disposition is a private admonishment or private reprimand. his work with the Community Corrections Board and their efforts to abate drug addiction in the district, Western Ky. judge disqualified from hearing criminal cases, West Ky. judge ordered to vacate office after misconduct charges loses reelection bid, State judicial commission orders west Ky. judge facing misconduct charges be removed from office, Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the creation and development of an ankle monitoring program and failing to separate himself as circuit judge from his duties on the board, creating the appearance of impropriety to the public.. The commission reviews complaints against judges, conducts hearings when warranted and imposes sanctions on judges found to have behaved improperly. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), Formal Proceedings, June 13, 2022-Oct. 10, 2022, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Nov. 4, 2022, Proceedings, including Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 21, 2021-May 2, 2022, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, April 22, 2022, Agreed Order of Suspension, April 7, 2021, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, July 13, 2021, Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 4, 2020, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Aug. 31, 2020, Proceedings - Nov. 18, 2019-Aug. 12, 2020, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 23, 2019, Agreed Order of Permanent Retirement, Dec. 18, 2019, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Nov. 7, 2019, Agreed Order of Suspension, Jan. 17, 2019, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, June 12, 2018, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, May 22, 2018, Agreed Order of Suspension, April 2, 2018, Proceedings - Dec. 19, 2017-March 7, 2018, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Dec. 19, 2017, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, April 13, 2017, Agreed Order of Suspension, March 21, 2017, Agreed Order of Temporary Suspension From Duties Pending Final Adjudication, March 15, 2017, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Feb. 24, 2017, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Jan. 6, 2017, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 27, 2016, Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 12, 2016, Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 2, 2016, Agreed Order of Disability Retirement, Aug. 23, 2016, Order of Temporary Retirement, May 2, 2016, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 7, 2016, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, April 21, 2016, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 18, 2015, Amended Agreed Order of Suspension, Dec. 7, 2015, Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 1, 2015, Agreed Order of Suspension, July 10, 2015, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, June 17, 2015, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 29, 2014, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Oct. 7, 2013, Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Final Order & Public Reprimand, Aug. 12, 2013, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order & Public Reprimand, Sept. 28, 2012-June 17, 2013, Privately admonish or privately reprimand the judge, Remove the judge from office or, in the case of disability, order the judge to retire from the bench. 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. Governor Andy Beshear appointed Karem to the Commission on May 27, 2020 to a four-year term, which expires May 27, 2024. The complaint form is available in PDF format and is fillable online. Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins was disciplined Thursday with a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. hbbd```b`` q
m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M The commission is responsible for disciplinary actions taken against judges. 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 29, 2014, Judicial Candidate Dana M. Cohen, 30th Judicial District, Div. Count VI: That Jameson had a pattern of noncompliance and interference with the JCC's orders. Judicial Conduct Commission declares Judge Jamie Jameson unfit for Jameson also took the stand in his own defense. The evidence to sustain the charges before the Commission must be "clear and convincing." As part of its strategic plan, the KAJC is currently working to: Capitol Building700 Capital Avenue,Suite 225Frankfort, KY 40601502-564-5493. Wakefield interrogated people in open court without regard to their privilege against self-incrimination, according to. The commission will take into consideration the vision, values, and goals of a multiyear assessment to enhance the practice, quality, and timeliness of the judicial response to cases involving these needs., The commission membership is composed of representatives from the judicial and legal communities; the juvenile, criminal and child protection systems; the legislature; the business community; organizations with a substantial interest in mental health matters; and other state and local leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to mental health issues affecting Kentuckians.. 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.. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, July 10, 2015, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. Failed to act in manner promoting public . Judicial Conduct Commission Contact - Kentucky Court of Justice Print the completed form, sign the signature line on page 2 and mail the form to the commission. endstream
endobj
414 0 obj
<>
endobj
415 0 obj
<>
endobj
416 0 obj
<>stream
If the JCC files formal charges against a judge, the JCC makes public the charges and any response from the judge. 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. Jameson doesn't expect a resolution to be reached before the hearing date, but he does hope that his constituency will see his side of the story. KY judge accused of sex at office faces more ethics charges | Lexington ", 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. 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. ", The order says that while Jameson testified and his legal representation argued that he "may have made mistakes" and that he "acknowledged that most if not all the critical and operative conduct as alleged did occur, he steadfastly refused to acknowledge that any of his conduct presented issues or problems or was misconduct or violations of the Canons.". 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 JEC elects a chair of the committee. . All rights reserved. From 1994 to 1999, he served as a judge of the Fayette District Court, 22nd District, Division 1. Box 126Dixon, KY 42409-0126270-639-5506, Pulaski County Court of Justice50 Public Square, P.O. 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. Russell D. Alred - Ballotpedia More recently, he earned an LL.M. 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. The charges included . 1Agreed Order of Suspension, May 12, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Frank A. Fletcher, 39th Judicial Circuit, Div. NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct - Government of New York R|lW"f98g0:N{\:s[iUkV0Oe*j4}4OS*ENL4#T'fvL6tx Judge Donna Dutton of Shelbyville, KY; ethical goblin. Kentucky prosecutor Rick Boling targeted with impeachment And she said Jameson pressured her to make a bar complaint against Amy Harwood-Jackson, a public defender who supports his opponent. The commission is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms. Circuit Court Clerk Conduct CommissionSupreme Court of KentuckyAttention: Chief of Staff and Counsel, State Capitol, Room 235700 Capitol Ave.Frankfort, KY 40601. influences and must conduct him/herself at all times in a way that is consistent with the dignity of high judicial office. The panel viewed a number of videos showing Jamesons courtroom demeanor and use of his contempt power. Communications between the requestor and the JEC members are confidential. Monongalia County (West Virginia) magistrate resigns, admonished by Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission suspends judge accused of 13 In Nicholson v. The JEC does not respond to any judge or judicial candidate about the ethical behavior of anyone other than him/herself. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. 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 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. Circuit Judge Atkins Reprimanded By State Judicial Conduct Commission Western Ky. judge facing charges from state judicial conduct commission Count V: That Jameson repeatedly attempted to obstruct justice and impede the JCC's authority to investigate the charges against him. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Jan. 6, 2017, District Court Judge Shan F. Embry, 46th Judicial District, Div. PADUCAH The Judicial Conduct Commission of Kentucky has publicized a 254 page document detailing the formal proceedings and charges against 42nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge James T. Jameson . Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. g:JZp{yxG5/mkV3?8zjwe)c,aBg*; This story has been updated. State judicial commission orders west Ky. judge facing misconduct PoorBest. GORMLEY v. JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION (2011) | FindLaw Some opinions that are still valid reference canon numbers from the old 1978 Code of Judicial Conduct and the new canons are noted. 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
Ex parte Communications, Ky. R. Sup. Ct. 2.9 - Casetext 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 18, 2015, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. All rights reserved. Deliberations in reaching any decision regarding the charges are not public. DeRenard felt pressured to donate to his campaign, which she did multiple times, she said. The hearing included testimony from attorney Lisa DeRenard that Jameson repeatedly asked her to support his reelection campaign against public defender Andrea Moore. Supreme Court order to make access to justice a
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. 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. This list is not all-inclusive. Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. 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. Kentucky Supreme Court hopeful Joe Fischer sues to block sanctions The commission has received complaints from litigants, attorneys, judges, jurors, citizens, court personnel and prisoners. By Tonm Latek Kentucky Today. 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.