judicial conduct commission ky

", 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. 03/3 . 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 1, 2015Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. You can find it now at 99.5 FM. Judge James T. Jameson had been in office since 2016, as a judge of the 42 nd Circuit, which includes Marshall and Calloway counties . 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. 502-573-2350 . 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. She also testified that Jameson put her on the spot at a fundraising event, asking her to speak in support of his campaign. Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller as chair. 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. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. . 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 . 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.. Since its inception, the JCC's actions have resulted in removal from the bench, involuntarily retirement and public discipline. Box 682Somerset, KY 42502-0682606-677-4112, Graydon2400 Chamber Center Drive, Suite 300Fort Mitchell, KY 41017859-578-3070. The state Judicial Conduct Commission issued the public reprimand against. The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted 3-2 to suspend Judge Jamie Jameson after he was accused of pressuring a lawyer to support his reelection campaign. 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. 502-573-2350 . 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.". The JCC carefully reviews complaints to determine if they are within its jurisdiction. 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. 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. The Judicial Conduct Commission found Shan guilty of engaging in the following misconduct. Propriety and the ", 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. Many more have resulted in private discipline. The complaint form is available in PDF format and is fillable online. Some opinions that are still valid reference canon numbers from the old 1978 Code of Judicial Conduct and the new canons are noted. 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. hb```f``a`a`ad@ A+s40311P=J8 $XDXX22C'1Z02J0\`AA&TFE Karem was elected Vice Chair of the Commission July 14, 2020. 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. 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. 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. A Kentucky judge who sent one man to jail without a hearing and "strongly castigated" another has been reprimanded. 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. 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: In January 2018 . 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 . In 2017, Chief Justice Minton named Kentucky will play its first game in the tourney at 9 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals. 5Agreed Order of Disability Retirement, Aug. 23, 2016Order of Temporary Retirement, May 2, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Olu A. Stevens, 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. Judge Julie Hawes Gordon has failed not only my family but a lot of oth 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. Communications between the requestor and the JEC members are confidential. 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. Judge Gordon Following the vote, Jameson called it "part of modern-day politics, and said he would stay the course.. The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. 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. Download the WHAS11 News app now. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. %%EOF Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 1, 2015, District Court Judge Cathy E. Prewitt, 34th Judicial Circuit, Div. 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 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 . 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 . Box 4266Frankfort, KY 40604-4266. The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. 3. 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. Justice for All planning grant from the National Center for State Courts. 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 Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. Operating under Supreme Court of Kentucky rules, the JCC investigates complaints of judicial misconduct, wrongdoing or disability. Count I: That Jameson acted as the alter ego of the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the creation and development of an ankle monitoring program and failed to separate himself as judge from his duties at the CCP, creating the appearance of impropriety to the public. 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. Kentucky Rules of the Supreme Court (SCR) 4.300. & Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie | 16 January 2023 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. 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. Increase opportunities for the private bar to provide pro bono representation for low- and moderate-income Kentuckians. Count V: That Jameson repeatedly attempted to obstruct justice and impede the JCC's authority to investigate the charges against him. priority for the Judicial Branch. If you prefer to have a complaint form mailed to you, please call or email the JCC. 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. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, May 12, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Frank A. Fletcher, 39th Judicial Circuit, Div. Increase public awareness of civil legal aid and the justice system and their positive impact on the state and local communities. IV Judicial Conduct Commission (Refs & Annos) Rules of the Supreme Court (SCR), Rule 4.020. As part of the misconduct, JudgeJameson exploited his judicial position to satisfy his personal desires. 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. 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. The violations are not a criminal charge. Print the completed form, sign the signature line on page 2 and mail the form to the commission. The Supreme Court created the Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission after consulting with the full membership of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks and adopting an administrative procedure that became effective Jan. 1, 2013. 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. 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. . As a result, Count VI is now not considered by or factored into the discipline imposed by the Commission herein. This list is not all-inclusive. The case this week is being heard by Muhlenberg County Circuit Judge Brian Wiggins. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. degree, May 2020, from Duke University School of Law and, in July 2020, was elected to The American Law Institute. Each member serves a four-year term. 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 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. 02 Mar 2023 17:49:48 The commissions disciplinary actions are subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court of Kentucky on appeal. The circuit court clerk will also receive a written statement that no retaliation will be taken against the person who filed the complaint. (Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun via AP, File). . 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. ForAppleorAndroidusers. The Writ vacated and set aside the Commissions Order of Temporary Suspension and declared it void ab initio. If an individual is found to have engaged in misconduct or be incapacitated, the JCC takes appropriate disciplinary action. 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. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands to recommendation of removal from office. It's the second time she has been found to violate rules in Kentucky's . Count VII: That Jameson engaged in acts of intimidation. Fax: 859-901-1618, State Capitol700 Capital Ave., Room 231Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-564-4162. The commission is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms. All rights reserved. P')WrDVHRgY "jFFXdGKwNXRQ&3MZ"oJ38:3::"94 q Partner with other service providers to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide delivery system. The JCC does not have the authority to review a case for judicial error or to direct a different result in a case. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 12, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Vernon Miniard Jr., 57th Judicial Circuit, Div. %PDF-1.7 % hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M Other opinions that are currently valid should be followed with caution in light of recent federal court rulings that are on appeal. Mismanaging his courtroom and engaging in acts of retaliation and deviating from acceptable standards of judicial conduct. Crit Luallen, Member . Supreme Court Order 2022-42, the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health (KJCMH) was established. g:JZp{yxG5/mkV3?8zjwe)c,aBg*; 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. he was the victim of the alleged assault by the defendant," the judicial conduct panel wrote in its report. The JCC is composed of six voting members who serve four-year terms. 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. 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 18, 2015, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. 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. Circuit Judge Atkins Reprimanded 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. 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. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE). 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 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. 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. Morgan has filed a motion for Atkins to recuse himself in her appeal, which he denied. 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. More recently, he earned an LL.M. 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 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. 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 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. The Canon and Rules are set out in the Code of Judicial Conduct. The JCC announced its decision Friday, about two weeks after it held a four-day hearing on the misconduct allegations against Jameson. 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.". 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. Please include your name, mailing address and phone number in the request. Supreme Court order to make access to justice a The State Commission on Judicial Conduct cannot exercise appellate review of a case or change the decision or ruling of any court. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the JCC. Box 126Dixon, KY 42409-0126270-639-5506, Pulaski County Court of Justice50 Public Square, P.O. Looking for Murray's WKMS Classical Signal? The person who filed the complaint may be subpoenaed as a witness if he or she has personal knowledge of wrongdoing. DeRenard felt pressured to donate to his campaign, which she did multiple times, she said. All rights reserved. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide justice systems and services and periodically report the findings to interested parties in Kentucky. Jameson was also accused of unbecoming conduct. 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. 1Amended Agreed Order of Suspension, Dec. 7, 2015, Circuit Court Judge Steven D. Combs, 35th Judicial Circuit, Div. 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. Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky's most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with . The commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action . 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. 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. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. The Judicial Conduct Commission,. Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. 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 Home Chambers5 Cleveland Ave., Suite 500Winchester, KY 40391Phone: 859-901-1616 It operates under the Kentucky Supreme Court and serves as an investigative body in matters of judicial conduct. Click here to see the Code. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. Both formal and informal opinions shall be advisory only. vB&!nBP\Ni,(E:*{FX4SyD!28M1p?gq{Yg&(1F1;. Also testifying was Marshall County Sheriff Eddie McGuire, who said Jameson asked him to have a courthouse deputy removed from the building after a security video of Jameson was disseminated. You can then save and print the form and mail or email it to the JCC. The Judicial Ethics Committee operates under endstream endobj startxref $8@G t4$},}@IA( cJ)*88#ro~eYIYX}"V |p 3y 13 In Nicholson v. 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.