If a Tennessee judge does something illegal, inappropriate or acts beneath the office, a special group of judges investigates the charges. Now those investigators are on the witness stand as lawmakers consider making judge investigations completely public for the first time.
The investigation of judges in the state of Tennessee is a largely private affair.
For example, an average of about one complaint per day was reported in 2009, and 95 percent of those complaints were dismissed without investigation. Of the handful of cases where the court of the judiciary found problems with judges, five were settled with private letters, five were settled with public letters and censure and seven were retired because the judge quit.
Sen. Mae Beavers, chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that everyone should have the benefit of knowing both the allegation and the outcome.
"I just don't ever think it's a good idea to be so secretive," said Beavers. "There are judges that may have done something that's rather egregious, and yet it's kept private."
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Lawmakers Consider Public Judge Investigations
This is a real shocker, especially coming from the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I'll be even more shocked if it ever becomes law. How does Senator Beavers intend to overcome the argument that such transparency would be abused? Will Senator Beavers extend the scope of this legal reform so as to also make public investigations of complaints against attorneys ...
ReplyDeleteTN is coming out of the dark ages and setting a positive precident!
ReplyDeleteI hope other states follow suit!
ReplyDeletePart of the reason the justice system is so mocked nowadays is because of secret records and judges getting a slap instead of a real punishment when they breach ethics.
ReplyDeleteWe elect our judges because we believe they have a high moral compass. When they don't, they should be dealt with publically.
Such embarrassment might get the other judges to fly right.
Agree, tvfields. It's a real good opportunity for TN to lead the charge to reform, though. Perhaps Sen. Beavers recognizes the opportunity and recognition the state will take if they open up the secrecy and lift the veils.
ReplyDeleteI hope so.
Time to lift the veils in all states ......... not just on Judges but all agencies that are charged with investigations. Less than 1% of all complaints that the disabled and elderly file ever get fully investigated.
ReplyDeleteHooray, lead the way, TN!
ReplyDeleteThey can start with judge Randy Kennedy!
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