2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. The post-holder must be able to demonstrate procedural fairness in all Court cases and deal tactfully and courteously with participants in such cases all with as well as the public. 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. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), Supreme Court Order Appointing Members to KJCMH, Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. On August 11, 2022, by FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - A sitting circuit judge from western Kentucky was ordered removed from office by the Judicial Conduct Commission on Friday after it found him guilty on seven counts of judicial misconduct. hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M The Kentucky Access to Justice Commission was established in 2010 by Judicial misconduct is different. 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. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Since its inception, the JCC's actions have resulted in removal from the bench, involuntarily retirement and public discipline. JCC proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. 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 commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 12, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Vernon Miniard Jr., 57th Judicial Circuit, Div. $8@G t4$},}@IA( cJ)*88#ro~eYIYX}"V |p 3y R|lW"f98g0:N{\:s[iUkV0Oe*j4}4OS*ENL4#T'fvL6tx 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. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. 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. Box 126Dixon, KY 42409-0126270-639-5506, Pulaski County Court of Justice50 Public Square, P.O. 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. DeRenard felt pressured to donate to his campaign, which she did multiple times, she said. 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. hb```f``a`a`ad@ A+s40311P=J8 $XDXX22C'1Z02J0\`AA&TFE Judge Donna Dutton of Shelbyville, KY; ethical goblin. All rights reserved. & And she said Jameson pressured her to make a bar complaint against Amy Harwood-Jackson, a public defender who supports his opponent. All rights reserved. As part of the misconduct, JudgeJameson exploited his judicial position to satisfy his personal desires. His late wife, Lucy Bryans VanMeter, and he are the parents of four children. 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. Actions can include admonition, reprimand, suspension or removal from office. Box 4266Frankfort, KY 40604-4266. A public reprimand was issued against Christian County Circuit Judge John L. Atkins, after finding that he improperly contacted a police officer who [] 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 . The complaint form is provided in a fillable PDF format for users to type their information into the form. 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 . All rights reserved. Ruttle violated three rules in the Code of Judicial Conduct for. The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is the only agency in Kentucky authorized to take disciplinary action against a sitting judge. Count II: That Jameson acted as the alter ego for the CCB in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. The rules governing the commission require confidentiality during the investigation process. Judicial misconduct comes in many forms and ethical standards address problematic actions, omissions and relationships that deplete public confidence. Example video title will go here for this video, Serial killer documentary | Meet the Casanova Killer called 'more brutal than Bundy'. Justice VanMeter practiced law with the Lexington firm of Stoll, Keenon & Park from 1983 to 1994, where his practice areas included equine law, business planning and organizations, real estate, taxation, estate planning, trusts and probate. Kentucky Rules of the Supreme Court (SCR) 4.300. The report said Atkins waived formal proceedings and agreed to the reprimand. 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. These functions are handled through the appeal process available through the appropriate appellate court. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, May 12, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Frank A. Fletcher, 39th Judicial Circuit, Div. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the JCC. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. His violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct were extensive and frequent. endstream endobj 414 0 obj <> endobj 415 0 obj <> endobj 416 0 obj <>stream to the Kentucky Bar Association for possible suspension or disbarment from the practice of law. Count V: That Jameson repeatedly attempted to obstruct justice and impede the JCC's authority to investigate the charges against him. Governor Andy Beshear appointed Karem to the Commission on May 27, 2020 to a four-year term, which expires May 27, 2024. 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. The order the commission issued Friday found Jameson guilty of all counts. 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. Partner with other service providers to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide delivery system. Please include your name, mailing address and phone number in the request. His fellow justices elected him as chief justice of Kentucky for a four-year term that started in January 2023. The JEC will provide an informal opinion to the requestor if it considers the question to be of limited applicability. Count VI: That Jameson had a pattern of noncompliance and interference with the JCC's orders. 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. Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. 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 . The Canon and Rules are set out in the Code of Judicial Conduct. 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.. 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. 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. In vacating the suspension, the high court did not weigh in on the validity of the misconduct allegations. The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. You can find it now at 99.5 FM. 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: The commissions disciplinary actions are subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court of Kentucky on appeal. Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller as chair. 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 is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms. He noted his work with the Community Corrections Board and their efforts to abate drug addiction in the district. They have a prominent role as the face of the Office of Circuit Court Clerk for the statewide judicial system. 23 Wildcats will honor six seniors, the most . [1] She has since filed an appeal. Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. The Judicial Conduct Commission's review is not focused merely on the judge's findings, conclusions, and ultimate judgment, but on the judge's demeanor, motivation, or conduct in following (or in not following) the law. Jameson is up for reelection, but the panel went further to say that he is unfit for office in . In 2017, Chief Justice Minton named The following types of circuit court clerk misconduct may lead to disciplinary actions. . 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. You have permission to edit this article. He was elected to the court in 2006 and was removed from office in July 2012. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. The Judicial Conduct Commission issued an order removing Circuit Judge James T. Jameson from office. 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. Download the document below to read the JCC's order in full. 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. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. 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 . 5Agreed Order of Disability Retirement, Aug. 23, 2016Order of Temporary Retirement, May 2, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Olu A. Stevens, 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. The panel viewed a number of videos showing Jamesons courtroom demeanor and use of his contempt power. 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.. Jameson was placed under a temporary, paid suspension by the JCC back in August pending the results of the proceedings. 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. Fax: 859-901-1618, State Capitol700 Capital Ave., Room 231Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-564-4162. 02 Mar 2023 17:49:48 priority for the Judicial Branch. The Judicial Conduct Commission has filed an extensive "notice of formal proceedings" against Daviess Family Judge Julie Hawes Gordon, . 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). In the three-page document released Thursday, the commission received a complaint and conducted an investigation into comments Atkins made during the criminal abuse trial of Nina Morgan last year. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. The complainant is notified of what action is taken unless the disposition is a private admonishment or private reprimand. Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins was disciplined Thursday with a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. 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.