Charges filed against 29 Wisconsin judges.

[Guest]

This could prove interesting. Charges of official misconduct have been filed with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission alleging that 29 Wisconsin circuit court judges appear to have violated the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct by improperly engaging in partisan political activity.

Gannett Wisconsin Media reported in its review of a digital database of recall signatures, that "judges from all corners of the state signed on in support of the recall."

If this is correct, "this political activity implies that these judges are endorsing, if not promoting Governor Walker's recall, and calls into question the impartiality and judicial ethics of each signing circuit judge under the Code of Judicial Conduct.", according to the Landmark Legal Foundation which filed these charges.

The Landmark Legal Foundation is calling for an investigation into the conduct of each of these judges to determine whether he or she is currently presiding over any cases in which Governor Walker or his administration is a party, which should require recusal and whether disciplinary action is appropriate.

Imagine judges not knowing the law in their own state, or maybe just feeling above it.

http://www.landmarklegal.org/uploads/wisconsin%20recall%20complaint.pdf

[Guest]

This could prove interesting. Charges of official misconduct have been filed with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission alleging that 29 Wisconsin circuit court judges appear to have violated the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct by improperly engaging in partisan political activity.

Gannett Wisconsin Media reported in its review of a digital database of recall signatures, that "judges from all corners of the state signed on in support of the recall."

If this is correct, "this political activity implies that these judges are endorsing, if not promoting Governor Walker's recall, and calls into question the impartiality and judicial ethics of each signing circuit judge under the Code of Judicial Conduct.", according to the Landmark Legal Foundation which filed these charges.

The Landmark Legal Foundation is calling for an investigation into the conduct of each of these judges to determine whether he or she is currently presiding over any cases in which Governor Walker or his administration is a party, which should require recusal and whether disciplinary action is appropriate.

Imagine judges not knowing the law in their own state, or maybe just feeling above it.

http://www.landmarklegal.org/uploads/wisconsin%20recall%20complaint.pdf

Hope I do not know any of them. Some of the 1200 or so law students I was acquainted with while at the U of MN Law School-- as a student and then while working in their library-- moved to Wisconsin.

[Guest]

If the charges are true it is indeed a sad indictment. The nation must have as bias free a judicialthat can be accomplished within human certainty; otherwise our laws become meaningless. And yes, I am aware that truth and justice doesn't always prevail. But thiis a very overt act and can lead to the beginning of lawless behavior

[Guest]

This could prove interesting. Charges of official misconduct have been filed with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission alleging that 29 Wisconsin circuit court judges appear to have violated the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct by improperly engaging in partisan political activity.

Gannett Wisconsin Media reported in its review of a digital database of recall signatures, that "judges from all corners of the state signed on in support of the recall."

If this is correct, "this political activity implies that these judges are endorsing, if not promoting Governor Walker's recall, and calls into question the impartiality and judicial ethics of each signing circuit judge under the Code of Judicial Conduct.", according to the Landmark Legal Foundation which filed these charges.

The Landmark Legal Foundation is calling for an investigation into the conduct of each of these judges to determine whether he or she is currently presiding over any cases in which Governor Walker or his administration is a party, which should require recusal and whether disciplinary action is appropriate.

Imagine judges not knowing the law in their own state, or maybe just feeling above it.

http://www.landmarklegal.org/uploads/wisconsin%20recall%20complaint.pdf

Why do you waste your time digging up this crap. Life has better stuff to offer in our limited time. My god, you could be watching the Tavistoc Cup.

[Guest]

Just to play Devil's Advocate here...

Do these judges not have rights? Are they not voters like anyone else? Are they not entitled to sign a petition?

Now - if they knew that going in and signed the petition, well... That doesn't look good.

But I wonder if it might be a case of signing a petition

Mr. John Doe

....vs...

The Honorable John Doe, 1st Cictuit Court, Eqs.

The latter would CLEARLY look like someone was trying to put a little more weight behind THEIR signature as opposed to the rest of the 'commoners'.

So I took a look at the PDF and it seems to be trying to split hairs. Clearly, there are some prohibitions on conduct. According to statute, they cannot:


participate in the affairs, caucuses, promotions, platforms, endorsements, conventions, or activities of a political party or of a candidate for partisan office"; or "publicly
endorse or speak on behalf of its candidates or platforms."


So.. I guess what it all boils down to is what the recall petition is considered. Is it a party's activity? A candidate? If it's started by John Q. Public, I don't think they have a leg to stand on. If it was something done exclusively by the Democratic Party - there might be some traction there.

[Guest]

has another reincarnation appeared??

btk

[Guest]

Why do you waste your time digging up this crap. Life has better stuff to offer in our limited time. My god, you could be watching the Tavistoc Cup.

Most people who have no interest in a story remain anonymous and go about their business. You, on the other hand, felt motivated to make a comment about me.

This proves to me that you do care about this story, or maybe you just care about me. Your attention to me is a little creepy, I must say.

[Guest]

Just to play Devil's Advocate here...

Do these judges not have rights? Are they not voters like anyone else? Are they not entitled to sign a petition?

Now - if they knew that going in and signed the petition, well... That doesn't look good.

But I wonder if it might be a case of signing a petition

Mr. John Doe

....vs...

The Honorable John Doe, 1st Cictuit Court, Eqs.

The latter would CLEARLY look like someone was trying to put a little more weight behind THEIR signature as opposed to the rest of the 'commoners'.

So I took a look at the PDF and it seems to be trying to split hairs. Clearly, there are some prohibitions on conduct. According to statute, they cannot:



So.. I guess what it all boils down to is what the recall petition is considered. Is it a party's activity? A candidate? If it's started by John Q. Public, I don't think they have a leg to stand on. If it was something done exclusively by the Democratic Party - there might be some traction there.

If the Landmark Legal Foundation is running with this you can be sure they know what they're doing and that they indeed have a case to present.

[Guest]

Model Code of Judicial Conduct: Table of Contents | The Center for Professional Responsibility (http://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_code_of_judicial_conduct/model_code_of_judicial_conduct_table_of_contents.h tml)

The subject is covered by Canon #1. Signing the petition put them in the public view of their opinions. This left impartiality in the rear view. #3 could also be argued.

[Guest]

Just to play Devil's Advocate here...

Do these judges not have rights? Are they not voters like anyone else? Are they not entitled to sign a petition?

Now - if they knew that going in and signed the petition, well... That doesn't look good.

But I wonder if it might be a case of signing a petition

Mr. John Doe

....vs...

The Honorable John Doe, 1st Cictuit Court, Eqs.

The latter would CLEARLY look like someone was trying to put a little more weight behind THEIR signature as opposed to the rest of the 'commoners'.

So I took a look at the PDF and it seems to be trying to split hairs. Clearly, there are some prohibitions on conduct. According to statute, they cannot:



So.. I guess what it all boils down to is what the recall petition is considered. Is it a party's activity? A candidate? If it's started by John Q. Public, I don't think they have a leg to stand on. If it was something done exclusively by the Democratic Party - there might be some traction there.

From the little research I did, the judges signing of this petition to remove the WI Governor is protected by the Constitution (WI).

Newspaper: 29 Judges Sign Walker Recall Petition (http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Newspaper_29_Judges_Sign_Walker_Recall_Petition_14 3105196.html)

[Guest]

From the little research I did, the judges signing of this petition to remove the WI Governor is protected by the Constitution (WI).

Newspaper: 29 Judges Sign Walker Recall Petition (http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Newspaper_29_Judges_Sign_Walker_Recall_Petition_14 3105196.html)

That is the opinion of one the Judges that signed.

[Guest]

Wisconsin Circuit Courts - Judgepedia (http://judgepedia.org/index.php/Wisconsin_Circuit_Courts)

What I find interesting is that Judges are elected in Wisconsin (as in many states). How can one be expected by Canon to remain clear of political lines and run for an elected office?

[Guest]

That is the opinion of one the Judges that signed.

I would also look more closely at this Landmark Legal Foundation. It looks like a politically motivated group. Landmark Legal Foundation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmark_Legal_Foundation)

The kettle calling the pot black in other words except that the 29 judges are probably well within their rights to sign a petition asking to remove one politician from office. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Wisconsin Unless they are part of some kind of politically motivated group? Are these 29 all Democrats who signed this petition to remove a Republican governor???

I also do not find any evidence that any actual CHARGES have been filed. This is a politically motivated legal group making a case against these 29 judges.

I have trouble finding much objectivity in a group which nominated Rush Limbaugh for a Noble Peace Prize. http://www.landmarklegal.org/uploads/Limbaugh%20Nobel.htm

[Guest]

I would also look more closely at this Landmark Legal Foundation. It looks like a politically motivated group. Landmark Legal Foundation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmark_Legal_Foundation)

The kettle calling the pot black in other words except that the 29 judges are probably well within their rights to sign a petition asking to remove one politician from office. Governor of Wisconsin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Wisconsin) Unless they are part of some kind of politically motivated group. Are they all Democrats who signed this petition to remove a Republican governor???

I noted some of the contributors and the Judges went after their boy and made themselves easy targets.

[Guest]

Just another example of Walker and his henchmen trying to intimidate anyone that is against his agenda. Teachers,police,firemen,state workers and now judges.

[Guest]

Just another example of Walker and his henchmen trying to intimidate anyone that is against his agenda. Teachers,police,firemen,state workers and now judges.

That looks like what is happening. Not sure if Walker and the Landmark Legal Foundation have any connection.

Just looks like politics as usual.

[Guest]

Well, I guess all the liberal scholars on this forum have this all figured out. The judges signing this politically charged petition in apparent disregard of how it would look or be judged in relation to their code of judicial ethics, or in relation to cases on the courts dockets which may involve any person, or persons, of or connected to the Walker administration.

I'm sure the Landmark Legal people and the Wisconsin Judicial Review Board would be thrilled to get all this expert analysis in preparation for their review of this petition.

[Guest]

Well, I guess all the liberal scholars on this forum have this all figured out. The judges signing this politically charged petition in apparent disregard of how it would look or be judged in relation to their code of judicial ethics, or in relation to cases on the courts dockets which may involve any person, or persons, of or connected to the Walker administration.

I'm sure the Landmark Legal people and the Wisconsin Judicial Review Board would be thrilled to get all this expert analysis in preparation for their review of this petition.

There does not seem to be anything there. Where do you see that the Wisconsin Judicial Review Board has taken this filing seriously???

The Landmark Legal people just look like an arm of the Republican party protecting their Republican Governor of Wisconsin. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Here is a link with some authority-- http://wislawjournal.com/2012/03/18/29-judges-sign-walker-recall-petition/

[Guest]

Home beer brewers seek changes to alcohol laws (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/03/22/national/a000814D91.DTL)

Off topic but give credit where credit is due.

[Guest]

There does not seem to be anything there. Where do you see that the Wisconsin Judicial Review Board has taken this filing seriously???

The Landmark Legal people just look like an arm of the Republican party protecting their Republican Governor of Wisconsin. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Here is a link with some authority-- 29 judges sign Walker recall petition « Wisconsin Law Journal (http://wislawjournal.com/2012/03/18/29-judges-sign-walker-recall-petition/)


The Wisconsin Legal Panel is now investigating the allegations against these judges on April 27th. It seems in particular there's one judge, Dane County Circuit Judge David Flanagan, who signed this recall petition and also is the judge who whose signature was uncovered after he temporarily struck down the voter ID law signed by Walker last year.

http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2012/mar/23/judicial-panel-to-investigate-recall-signing-judges/