What happens when two attorneys' complaints against a judge actually lead to a recommendation that the judge be censured or removed? That's easy: other judges come to the rescue.
RICHMOND - The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday unanimously cleared an Albemarle judge of any ethical wrongdoing, rejecting a recommendation by the state’s judicial review commission that he be censured or removed from the bench.
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“We have listened to the audio recordings of the three criminal proceedings forming the basis of the … charges,” the court’s opinion states. “Contrary to the commission’s findings and argument before this court, those recordings do not even remotely provide clear and convincing evidence of a violation of the Canons … Judge Peatross’ demeanor, in all three criminal proceedings, was stern, direct, and authoritative, but not ‘uncivil’ or ‘extremely impatient, undignified and discourteous,’ as found by the commission.”
The language from the court's opinion reminded me of basic training. My drill sergeants would say: "Private, I am not yelling at you. I am simply talking with a clear voice and in a high volume."
(Via CrimLaw).
