2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. 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. A judge or judicial candidate can request a JEC opinion by contacting Executive Secretary Jean Collier, Esq., Judicial Ethics Committee, Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse, 150 N. Limestone, Suite 301, Lexington, KY 40507, 859-246-2296. "There is no doubt that he has broughtthe integrity and respect for the judiciary within Calloway and Marshall Counties intodisrepute and that his improper actions violate the Canons. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 1, 2015, District Court Judge Cathy E. Prewitt, 34th Judicial Circuit, Div. The JCCs mission is to protect the public, to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct, and to promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary. The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. 5Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, April 13, 2017, Family Court Judge Kathy W. Stein, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. The Supreme Court can affirm, modify or set aside in whole or in part the JCCs order or remand the action to the JCC for further proceedings. Judicial Conduct Commission Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating high quality open legal information. Operle spent five years working for Paxton Media/The Paducah Sun as a reporter and editor. The Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission investigates and reviews complaints against circuit court clerks. The state Supreme Court's decision came up in the JCC's findings of fact and final order regarding count VI. The JCC says its members believe they have the legal basis to "find and conclude that Judge Jameson should be permanently removed from judicial office because the totality of the clear and convincing evidence presented at the Temporary Suspension Hearing and Final Hearing established that he is unfit for judicial office.". The rules governing the JCC require confidentiality during the investigation process. . 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. The complaint form is provided in a fillable PDF format for users to type their information into the form. During its early years, the KAJC was chaired by Franklin Circuit Judge Roger L. Crittenden (ret.) 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. Morgan has filed a motion for Atkins to recuse himself in her appeal, which he denied. On August 11, 2022, by 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 commissions purpose is to support circuit court clerks in maintaining high standards of integrity, impartiality and independence in order to promote public confidence in the judicial system. 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. He was elected to the court in 2006 and was removed from office in July 2012. Count II: That Jameson acted as the alter ego for the CCB in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. 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. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 1, 2015Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. 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. Acting as an alter ego for the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the implementation and operation of its ankle monitoring program. Jameson also took the stand in his own defense. The Commission investigates, reviews complaints against judges, and conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct where evidence is presented" (ky.courts.gov). 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. Download the WHAS11 News app now. Judicial Conduct Commission declares Judge Jamie Jameson unfit for office, disqualifies him from upcoming election, Your photos of ice and snow, Jan. 30-Feb. 1. 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 Circuit court clerks perform duties prescribed by the Kentucky Constitution, statutes, rules and administrative procedures that are integral to Kentucky Court of Justice operations. And in 2019, Kentucky became one of 11 states to receive a Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller as chair. Upon taking office on January 2, 2017, he became just the third Justice to have served at all four levels of Kentucky unified court system. A measure that would ban gender transition services from being performed on anyone under the age of 18 was on a fast track in the House on Thursday, winning committee . Create a framework for equitable access to justice by promoting policies, procedures, court rules and legislation that remove barriers to our judicial system. The Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. The mission of the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct and promote public. The JCC is composed of six voting members who serve four-year terms. As a result, Count VI is now not considered by or factored into the discipline imposed by the Commission herein. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. Combs & Combs203 Main St., P.O. 5Agreed Order of Disability Retirement, Aug. 23, 2016Order of Temporary Retirement, May 2, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Olu A. Stevens, 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WV News) Monongalia County Magistrate Phillip Todd Gaujot resigned on Monday following an investigation by the Judicial Investigation Commission, which officially admonished him for the second time on Tuesday. P')WrDVHRgY "jFFXdGKwNXRQ&3MZ"oJ38:3::"94 Supreme Court order to make access to justice a The evidence to sustain the charges before the Commission must be "clear and convincing." 0 Justice VanMeter has been actively involved in a number of community organizations, including Little League Baseball, Lexington Youth Soccer, Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, Parents Place, the University of Kentucky Libraries National Advisory Board, and has served on the vestry of Christ Church Cathedral, on the Vanderbilt University Alumni Board of Directors, and on the Sayre School Board of Trustees. The post-holder must be able to demonstrate procedural fairness in all Court cases and deal tactfully and courteously with participants in such cases all with as well as the public. The JCC carefully reviews complaints to determine if they are within its jurisdiction. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. Over the past decade, the KAJC has worked to increase access to the courts and legal representation for people of low and moderate income through innovative partnerships with 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, June 12, 2018, Circuit Judge Charles L. Cunningham Jr., 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. Have a news tip? Updated July 14, 2021 4:15 PM A former Bullitt County master commissioner was publicly reprimanded Tuesday by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission over an accusation that he. 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. Looking for Murray's WKMS Classical Signal? Partner with other service providers to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide delivery system. The Judicial Ethics Committee operates under The complainant is notified of what action is taken unless the disposition is a private admonishment or private reprimand. For example, if the Commission finds a judge's actions to be misconduct, the Commission can issue sanctions against the judge, or seek the judge's removal from the bench. Other opinions that are currently valid should be followed with caution in light of recent federal court rulings that are on appeal. [Judge Maze's] impartiality might reasonably be questioned. This is what a judge ought to be doing,'" Jameson said. 1. 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 JEC will provide an informal opinion to the requestor if it considers the question to be of limited applicability. Jameson was also accused of unbecoming conduct. Box 126Dixon, KY 42409-0126270-639-5506, Pulaski County Court of Justice50 Public Square, P.O. Christian County Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins has received a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission regarding his conduct in a pair of criminal cases he oversaw. 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. You can find it now at 99.5 FM. ", 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. On Tuesday, the first day of the 2023 . The order the commission issued Friday found Jameson guilty of all counts. These functions are handled through the appeal process available through the appropriate appellate court. (2) . Communications between the requestor and the JEC members are confidential. Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. In 2017, the KBA provided a generous grant that allowed the KAJC to hire full-time staff and the Supreme Court provided office space on the second floor of the Capitol. Kentucky will play its first game in the tourney at 9 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals. The following types of circuit court clerk misconduct may lead to disciplinary actions. "Tojustify his conduct, he expressed his belief that 'generational' differences motivate modernjudges to be more involved in finding solutions to societys problems," the order states. 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Oct. 7, 2013, Senior Status Special Judge (former) Martin F. McDonald Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Final Order & Public Reprimand, Aug. 12, 2013Proceedings - May 13-Aug. 12, 2013, Circuit Judge Timothy L. Langford, 1st Judicial CircuitFindings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order & Public Reprimand, Sept. 28, 2012-June 17, 2013, Judicial Conduct CommissionP.O. 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. The KJCMH is charged with exploring, recommending, andimplementing transformational changes to improve system wide responses to justice-involved individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or intellectual and developmentaldisabilities. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission. The commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action . . READ MORE >> About Us The commission only has the authority to review complaints made against elected circuit court clerks and not the nonelected deputy circuit court clerks or office staff. If you prefer to have a complaint form mailed to you, please call or email the JCC. 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. The Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct defines misconduct through its canons and commentary. The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is the only agency in Kentucky authorized to take disciplinary action against a sitting judge. The JCC does not have the authority to review a case for judicial error or to direct a different result in a case. The state Judicial Conduct Commission issued the public reprimand against. 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. Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins was disciplined Thursday with a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. If the complaint is not resolved at this stage, the JCC may file formal charges against the judge and hold a fact-finding hearing. 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. Increase public awareness of civil legal aid and the justice system and their positive impact on the state and local communities. The JEC elects a chair of the committee. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Jan. 17, 2019, District Judge Sandra L. McLaughlin, 30th Judicial District, Div. Print the completed form, sign the signature line on page 2 and mail the form to the commission. Linda AveryCalloway County Circuit Court Clerk, Loretta CradyHardin County Circuit Court Clerk, Stephanie King-LogsdonMcLean County Circuit Court Clerk, Mike ReddenPendleton County Circuit Court Clerk, Vincent RiggsFayette County Circuit Court Clerk, Tommy GarrettMetcalfe County Circuit Court Clerk, Craig OverstreetCasey County Circuit Court Clerk, Tyler PhillipsLee County Circuit Court Clerk. hbbd```b`` q m"l@0"W%H^ fo`]T#308|0 M Jameson has been involved in a lengthy legal battle with the commission after being accused of seven counts of misconduct. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. [1] All subsequent pleadings are also made public and any hearing related to the charges is public. If the JCC finds improper conduct by the judge or a disability that seriously interferes with the judges ability to perform judicial duties, the JCC may take any of the following actions: JCC orders are effective 10 days after service on a judge unless the judge appeals to the Supreme Court of Kentucky within that time. 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. It's the second time she has been found to violate rules in Kentucky's . 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. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. If the complaint states facts that, if true, would constitute official misconduct or otherwise improper conduct, then a copy of the complaint, including the name of the person who filed the complaint, will be provided to the circuit court clerk under investigation. Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . he was the victim of the alleged assault by the defendant," the judicial conduct panel wrote in its report. Failed to act in manner promoting public . Jameson was placed under a temporary, paid suspension by the JCC back in August pending the results of the proceedings. Kenton County District Judge Ann Ruttle among two disciplined by KY Judicial Conduct Commission. Count I: That Jameson acted as the alter ego of the 42nd Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board in the creation and development of an ankle monitoring program and failed to separate himself as judge from his duties at the CCP, creating the appearance of impropriety to the public. The Judicial Conduct Commission issued an order removing Circuit Judge James T. Jameson from office. Home Chambers5 Cleveland Ave., Suite 500Winchester, KY 40391Phone: 859-901-1616 Identify and assess current and future needs of low- and moderate-income Kentuckians in matters related to access to civil justice. Emailassign@whas11.com, visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter feed. 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. That suspension was vacated by the Kentucky Supreme Court on Monday, because the JCC voted to suspend Jameson on a 3-2 vote, when the law requires at least four votes to suspend a judge. 2Agreed Order of Permanent Retirement, Dec. 18, 2019, Circuit Judge Beth L. Maze, 21st Judicial Circuit, Div. More recently, he earned an LL.M. Wakefield interrogated people in open court without regard to their privilege against self-incrimination, according to. 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. Justice VanMeter practiced law with the Lexington firm of Stoll, Keenon & Park from 1983 to 1994, where his practice areas included equine law, business planning and organizations, real estate, taxation, estate planning, trusts and probate. 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. Many more have resulted in private discipline. Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), Supreme Court Order Appointing Members to KJCMH, Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. The circuit court clerk will also receive a written statement that no retaliation will be taken against the person who filed the complaint. Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky's most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with . 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: