Judicial scandals?

[memphis]

It seems we are constantly bombarded with outrageous scandals from the executive and legislative branches of government. When was the last time we had a really juicy judicial scandal? The only thing I can think of off hand is the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill mess, and that seems pretty mild by political comparison.

[MODU]

They're too busy reading to get in trouble. 

[2952-0-0]

How about that judge who sued the Korean dry cleaner for $52 million over a pair of pants?

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

It seems we are constantly bombarded with outrageous scandals from the executive and legislative branches of government. When was the last time we had a really juicy judicial scandal? The only thing I can think of off hand is the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill mess, and that seems pretty mild by political comparison.

Not so much a "scandal," but two years back, a justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court became the first to be denied reconfirmation by the voters because he conspired with the State Legislature to craft an unconstitutional pay raise bill in a way that would pass judicial scrutiny.

[Sam Spade]

If judges want to make a lot of money, they leave the bench and go into private practice.  If judges don't, they stay on the bench and enjoy telling you whether you lose or win in your disputes, that and playing golf.  And if you're on the Supreme Court, you control the entire country - who'd want to leave that job.

[J. J.]

It seems we are constantly bombarded with outrageous scandals from the executive and legislative branches of government. When was the last time we had a really juicy judicial scandal? The only thing I can think of off hand is the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill mess, and that seems pretty mild by political comparison.

Not so much a "scandal," but two years back, a justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court became the first to be denied reconfirmation by the voters because he conspired with the State Legislature to craft an unconstitutional pay raise bill in a way that would pass judicial scrutiny.

I don't think he "conspired," but his ruling confirmed the legality of the act.

One state Superior Count Judge (the first appeal level in PA) was indicted on federal charges in August:

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/paw/pr/2007_august/2007_08_15_1.html

State Supreme Court Justice Rolf Larsen, was convicted of getting prescription drugs under another name and impeached in the mid-1990's.

Cambria County Judge Joseph O'Kicki was convicted on numerous bribery charges in the early 1990's (he lost the retention vote in 1991, IIRC) and fled to Slovenia before he was suppose to report to jail.  (I actually met him once, while he was a judge.)

[John Dibble]

They're too busy reading to get in trouble. 

Exactly - that's why we need to support the Read The Bills Act. If we get our congressmen and our president reading, they won't have time to screw up and make our country look stupid.

[2952-0-0]

They're too busy reading to get in trouble. 

Exactly - that's why we need to support the Read The Bills Act. If we get our congressmen and our president reading, they won't have time to screw up and make our country look stupid.

If the Read the Bills Act ever goes into law, it would be because it would be slipped into a pork bill and no one bothered to read it. Come on, you know that has to be the case.

[John Dibble]

They're too busy reading to get in trouble. 

Exactly - that's why we need to support the Read The Bills Act. If we get our congressmen and our president reading, they won't have time to screw up and make our country look stupid.

If the Read the Bills Act ever goes into law, it would be because it would be slipped into a pork bill and no one bothered to read it. Come on, you know that has to be the case.

Yeah, which I why I support doing that.