Arkansas Judge Removed From Bench

The state Supreme Court on Monday ordered Pulaski County Circuit Judge Willard Proctor removed from the bench.

The high court, acting on a recommendation from the state commission that disciplines judges, concluded Proctor violated canons of judicial conduct in his relationship with a nonprofit probation program run from his courthouse office.

The state Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission accused Proctor of improperly involving himself in the activities and finances of the Cycle Breakers program, and of breaking the law by requiring probationers to pay “civil fees” with the threat of jail time.

At a hearing last summer, Proctor admitted giving probationers rides to meetings, hosting them as his home, letting one stay at his home and baptizing some at his church.

But he argued before the high court earlier this month that running what he called a “cutting edge” probation program from his office did not warrant his removal from the bench. He asked the justices to reject the commission’s recommendation on procedural grounds.

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Supreme Court Orders Judge to be Removed