Laws that target speeders are worthless when cops aren't around to enforce them.The same thing goes for laws that target Georgia judges who break the law or act unethically. When these rules aren't enforced, it undermines the state's judicial system.
That's why a published report, which said the state's judicial watchdog agency is running so low on funds that it can't investigate charges against several judges, is disturbing. An emergency infusion of cash from the state is in order.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission, a low-profile agency that investigates judges accused of misdeeds, has just $1,600 left in its budget for investigations and prosecutions through fiscal year 2011, which ends June 30. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that several unidentified judges are under the commission's microscope. But because there's almost no money in the till right now, the agency essentially has to hit the brakes until mid-summer when its funds should be replenished.
That's unacceptable. Given the latest numbers, this agency should be hitting the gas pedal instead.
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Watching Judges
It's true - laws that target speeders are worthless unless the police enforce them.
ReplyDeleteLikewise with guardianships. There are good laws on the books, but judges don't enforce them.
The judges are fully aware of the fact that the JQC in Georgia pretty much rubber stamps their actions- even without a budget complaints against GA judges are held in secret and the JQC does not hold them to the canons or the rules of the court they swore to abide by.
ReplyDeleteI speak from personal experience. The probate judge in Lee County Ga grants motions on the same day orders are submitted, has ex parte communications, and even issues orders without motions. The JQC has the documentation of these violations and does nothing to intervene. A judge has to be caught with his pants down in GA to have any action that would result in a real consequence being handed down.