OH: Judge Raises Ethics Questions

New Probate Judge Alan S. Acker appointed his sons to a $20-an-hour job looking for valuables despite ethics rules against nepotism.

And during his four months on the Franklin County bench, Acker also has continued to run a family business that collects fees from probate lawyers. The Ohio Supreme Court’s rules tell judges to avoid any situation that “involves the judge in frequent transactions or continuing business relationships” with lawyers who come before the judge’s court.

Acker, a lawyer for 33 years, said he’s done nothing improper since Gov. Ted Strickland appointed him to a vacancy in the spring.

“I believe the bar knows my integrity,” he said. “I’ll rule honestly and impartially based on what the law is without concern of who is standing before me.”

Others say he might have breached the judicial canons, or even state law.

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New Judge's Acts Raise Ethics Questions