They have a prominent role as the face of the Office of Circuit Court Clerk for the statewide judicial system. Ruttle violated three rules in the Code of Judicial Conduct for. 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. IV Judicial Conduct Commission (Refs & Annos) Rules of the Supreme Court (SCR), Rule 4.020. 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. 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. 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. In August, the Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee, an independent, nonpartisan group of citizens, lawyers, former judges and others, said Kentucky's judicial races, according to. %PDF-1.7 % Following the vote, Jameson called it "part of modern-day politics, and said he would stay the course.. The Judicial Conduct Commission of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Commission) was created for the purpose of, and is vested with the jurisdiction to initiate, hear and decide charges of official misconduct by any judge of the Court of Justice or lawyer whil e a candidate for judicial office, and upon a finding of such official misconduct, to . If a complaint results in a hearing, the JCC provides the judge under review with the information compiled during the commissions investigation, including the name of the person who filed the complaint, if relevant. The violations are not a criminal charge. "Unfortunately for Judge Jameson, altruistic intentions do not overcome or eliminatehis serious violations of the Canons of Judicial Conduct," the order continues. 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.. In cases where judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office are found to have engaged in misconduct or to be incapacitated, the commission can take disciplinary action, including issuing admonitions, reprimands, censures, suspensions or removal from office. Count II: That Jameson acted as the alter ego for the CCB in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. As part of the agreement, Gaujot resigned as magistrate and agreed . "During the sentencing hearing, Judge Atkins disclosed that he contacted the police officer and . Supreme Court Order 2022-42, the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health (KJCMH) was established. The complaint form is provided in a fillable PDF format for users to type their information into the form. 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. The attorney in question served on Judge Gentry's GAL panel. 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. KENTON COUNTY, Ky. (WKRC) - A local judge is suspended again.The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission decided Judge Ann Ruttle was too quick to deny court appoi The grant has allowed the KAJC to develop a strategic plan with the goal of giving all Kentuckians access to justice for their essential civil legal needs. While the majority of Kentucky's circuit court clerks are committed to maintaining the high standards expected of the office, an effective method of imposing sanctions on circuit court clerks who engage in misconduct or wrongdoing is essential to the efficient operation of the judicial system. An Owensboro, Ky., judge accused of misusing her position to influence criminal cases that involved her adult son has been ordered removed from the bench. These functions are handled through the appeal process available through the appropriate appellate court. Judge James T. Jameson had been in office since 2016, as a judge of the 42 nd Circuit, which includes Marshall and Calloway counties . 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. 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. Since its inception, the JCC's actions have resulted in removal from the bench, involuntarily retirement and public discipline. he was the victim of the alleged assault by the defendant," the judicial conduct panel wrote in its report. 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. When the JCC finds sufficient cause, it will conduct a preliminary investigation that may include a meeting with the judge who is the subject of the complaint. The Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. Ht0D4p40,:XP@I`HLI P. 1Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, June 17, 2015Proceedings - Feb. 19-April 28, 2015, District Judge Sandra L. McLaughlin, 30th Judicial District, Div. And in 2019, Kentucky became one of 11 states to receive a In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. Download the WHAS11 News app now. The Judicial Conduct Commission,. Judicial Conduct Commission Kentucky Supreme Court Election Opponent General Election Lawsuit Statement Accusations Andrea Moore Primary Election Bid Circuit Court Judge 42nd District Void. It operates under the Kentucky Supreme Court and serves as an investigative body in matters of judicial conduct. Based on the foregoing, the Judicial Conduct Commission's Final Order is affirmed. The JCC announced its decision Friday, about two weeks after it held a four-day hearing on the misconduct allegations against Jameson. Judge Julie Hawes Gordon has failed not only my family but a lot of oth Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. ", 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. 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. Judicial Conduct Commission; Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission; Resources for New Judges; Court Personnel Directory; Report Fraud, Waste & Abuse; Request Court Records; COVID-19; Court ADA; Site Map; Policies; Security; Disclaimer; Accessibility; Administrative Office of the Courts. Develop and implement initiatives to increase access to the courts and meaningful use of the judicial process, such as creative pro bono opportunities, strategic uses of technology and enhanced community education. Please include your name, mailing address and phone number in the request. Count IV: That Jameson used his influence and the prestige of his office to pressure people to donate to or support his political campaign. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. The state Judicial Conduct Commission issued the public reprimand against. 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. 2Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Dec. 19, 2017Proceedings Sept. 11-Oct. 30, 2017, District Court Judge Jennifer H. Leibson, 30th Judicial District, Div. His violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct were extensive and frequent. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands to recommendation of removal from office. The circuit court clerk will also receive a written statement that no retaliation will be taken against the person who filed the complaint. It's the second time she has been found to violate rules in Kentucky's . Also, the JEC does not respond to inquiries from any person who is not a judge or judicial candidate. You can find it now at 99.5 FM. More recently, he earned an LL.M. 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. In vacating the suspension, the high court did not weigh in on the validity of the misconduct allegations. The commission is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms. As a result of the complaint, attorneys for Paige Williams and Abby Leach, who are on trial this week for complicity to abuse stemming from the charges against Morgan and Allison Simpson, requested Atkins recuse himself from the case, which he granted. Sanctions for misconduct range from confidential reprimands for minor technical violations to removal from office for major violations. The JCC is composed of six voting members who serve four-year terms. 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. The report said Atkins waived formal proceedings and agreed to the reprimand. Promote principled and efficient use of available resources and encourage the coordination and sharing of resources or funding. The commissions disciplinary actions are subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court of Kentucky on appeal. Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted 3-2 to suspend 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson following a daylong hearing in which he told commissioners they were being used for. The commission will take into consideration the vision, values, and goals of a multiyear assessment to enhance the practice, quality, and timeliness of the judicial response to cases involving these needs., The commission membership is composed of representatives from the judicial and legal communities; the juvenile, criminal and child protection systems; the legislature; the business community; organizations with a substantial interest in mental health matters; and other state and local leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to mental health issues affecting Kentuckians.. This list is not all-inclusive. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide justice systems and services and periodically report the findings to interested parties in Kentucky. Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Drawer 31Pikeville, KY 41502-0031606-437-6226, Washington County Judicial Center100 E. Main St, Suite 200Springfield, KY 40069859-336-1076, Webster County Judicial Center35 U.S. Highway 41A South, P.O. Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. Propriety and the The Judicial Conduct Commission has filed an extensive "notice of formal proceedings" against Daviess Family Judge Julie Hawes Gordon, . 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Jan. 6, 2017, District Court Judge Shan F. Embry, 46th Judicial District, Div. He received his undergraduate degree with a major in history in 1980 from Vanderbilt University, and his J.D. You have permission to edit this article. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 4 min ago FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - 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. Home Chambers5 Cleveland Ave., Suite 500Winchester, KY 40391Phone: 859-901-1616 Cayman Islands Judicial & Legal Website | An official website of the Cayman Islands Government - Cayman Islands Judicial & Legal Information Website Video Gallery Opening of the Grand Court | 11 January 2023 Watch on Opening of the Grand Court 11 January 2023 Valedictory Ceremony for Retired Hon. 17Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 21, 2014, District Court Judge Rebecca S. Ward, 55th Judicial Circuit, Div. q The 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 doesn't expect a resolution to be reached before the hearing date, but he does hope that his constituency will see his side of the story. The JEC will provide an informal opinion to the requestor if it considers the question to be of limited applicability. Many more have resulted in private discipline. Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. 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. Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. A reprimand is one of several disciplinary actions that can be taken by the judicial commission. hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M Complaints must be submitted in writing to the JCC. 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. "I honestly believe 100% when the people from the community I grew up in see what they are labeling as allegations and charges [they'll say], 'Why in the world does anybody think this is wrong? 1. The Writ vacated and set aside the Commissions Order of Temporary Suspension and declared it void ab initio. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible judicial misconduct or wrongdoing may file a complaint. The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. 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.". All rights reserved. Even without the complaintsinvolving the community corrections board, its operation and administration, and theassociated rigging of the bid process, the other conduct of Judge Jameson established by theclear and convincing evidence presented at the Temporary Suspension Hearing and FinalHearing is sufficient to justify the Commissions decision herein, and the discipline imposedof removal from office. Download the WHAS11 News app now. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. 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. Operating under Supreme Court of Kentucky rules, the JCC investigates complaints of judicial misconduct, wrongdoing or disability. He put great thought, planning and effort into the community corrections board matters and bid rigging, and he repeatedly abused the courts contempt powers, violating the due process rights of those in his courtroom. Kentucky will play its first game in the tourney at 9 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals. Judge Gordon 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. 5Agreed Order of Disability Retirement, Aug. 23, 2016Order of Temporary Retirement, May 2, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Olu A. Stevens, 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. The Judicial Conduct Commission issued an order removing Circuit Judge James T. Jameson from office. 23 Wildcats will honor six seniors, the most . If the JCC files formal charges against a judge, the JCC makes public the charges and any response from the judge. Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . If you prefer to have a complaint form mailed to you, please call or email the JCC. This story has been updated. The panel viewed a number of videos showing Jamesons courtroom demeanor and use of his contempt power. As a result, Count VI is now not considered by or factored into the discipline imposed by the Commission herein. Jameson is facing four charges of misconduct from the commission, including allegedly: The document released by the commission fully outlines each charge, citing laws, statutes and codes of conduct as they apply to Jameson charges. For, Updates | Crews continue to restore power as thousands remain in the dark after wind storm; the latest numbers, Group demands accountability following release of body cam footage in 'unintentional' shooting of teens, 'We can handle it': Fans brave the weather for Big Nita's Cheesecake, J&J to end sales of baby powder with talc worldwide next year, One person killed in fatal collision on Rose Island Road, Here's what Louisville Police now know about the suspicious device found downtown. 413 0 obj <> endobj In January 2018 . A native of western Kentucky, Operle earned his bachelor's degree in integrated strategic communications from the University of Kentucky in 2014. The complaint said Atkins consulted with the police officer who was the victim outside the court proceedings and then used the content of the conversation during the sentencing hearing although the officer did not testify. in 1983 from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Kentucky Law Journal. When needed, the JCC conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct. FILE - Marshall County Circuit Court Judge Jamie Jameson listens to proceedings during a hearing at the Marshall County Judicial Building in Benton, Ky., Monday, March 12, 2018. You can then save and print the form and mail or email it to the JCC. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Dec. 23, 2019, Circuit Judge Allan Ray Bertram, 11th Judicial Circuit, Div. Judge Jamie Jameson took the stand Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, during aJudicial Conduct Commission hearing in Hopkinsville. 502-573-2350 . Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. By Tonm Latek Kentucky Today. Section 121 of the Kentucky Constitution authorizes the Commission to suspend without pay, or to remove, a judge or justice for good cause, with judicial review directly to the Supreme Court. 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. Other opinions that are currently valid should be followed with caution in light of recent federal court rulings that are on appeal. The code provides rules that should assist judges and candidates for judicial positions to always maintain the dignity of judicial office and to avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in their professional and personal lives. Mismanaging his courtroom and engaging in acts of retaliation and deviating from acceptable standards of judicial conduct. As part of its strategic plan, the KAJC is currently working to: Capitol Building700 Capital Avenue,Suite 225Frankfort, KY 40601502-564-5493. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 7, 2016 Proceedings - April 1-July 5, 2016, District Court Judge Sheila A. Collins, 30th Judicial District, Div. 426 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<9E4A0BA5A930054F8A0C782B6CA91317>]/Index[413 29]/Info 412 0 R/Length 78/Prev 352845/Root 414 0 R/Size 442/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. 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. ", In its findings of fact, the JCC says the allegations it was presented with in initial complaints and in formal hearings "include serious claims of lack of judicial temperament, abuse of contempt power, due process violations, abuse of judicial office/power, improper implementation, use and administration of ankle monitors and processes, fundraising matters, 'bid rigging,' incidents taking place in the Marshall County courthouse investigated by the Marshall County Sheriffs office, obstruction of justice, misuse and abuse of power, various improprieties as a judicial officer, the appearance of impropriety, improper exercise of influence, misusing and abusing the prestige and power of his judicial office, retaliation, and a lack of candor to the relevant tribunals. 2Agreed Order of Permanent Retirement, Dec. 18, 2019, Circuit Judge Beth L. Maze, 21st Judicial Circuit, Div. The following types of circuit court clerk misconduct may lead to disciplinary actions. 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. endstream endobj 414 0 obj <> endobj 415 0 obj <> endobj 416 0 obj <>stream He is a member of Christ Church Cathedral. Increase public awareness of civil legal aid and the justice system and their positive impact on the state and local communities. Kenton County District Judge Ann Ruttle among two disciplined by KY Judicial Conduct Commission. . Count VII: That Jameson engaged in acts of intimidation. [Judge Maze's] impartiality might reasonably be questioned. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. In one testy exchange, Jameson told commissioners he believed they were being used for political purposes. 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: 03/3 . 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. Kentuckys civil legal aid programs, the judiciary, the Kentucky Bar Association, the private bar, law schools, and business and community organizations. 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 Some opinions that are still valid reference canon numbers from the old 1978 Code of Judicial Conduct and the new canons are noted. She has since filed an appeal. 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. Jameson also took the stand in his own defense. 13 In Nicholson v. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, May 12, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Frank A. Fletcher, 39th Judicial Circuit, Div. 4Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, May 22, 2018, Circuit Judge Timothy L. Langford, 1st Judicial CircuitAgreed Order of Suspension, April 2, 2018Proceedings - Dec. 19, 2017-March 7, 2018, Family Court Judge W. Mitchell Nance, 43rd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. vB&!nBP\Ni,(E:*{FX4SyD!28M1p?gq{Yg&(1F1;. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. JCC proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div.