idgaf rpgfan
05-27-2004, 12:24 AM
Judge kicked off bench for public drunkenness
Associated Press
Posted May 26 2004, 11:21 AM EDT
NEW ORLEANS - An alcoholic judge was kicked off the bench Tuesday for repeatedly being drunk in the courtroom.
District Judge Monty L. Doggett issued arrest warrants when he was too drunk to read them, was sometimes so intoxicated that court had to be canceled and once had to be carried out of his courtroom by deputies, the Louisiana Supreme Court said in its unanimous ruling Tuesday.
"Although we feel compassion for Judge Doggett's struggle to maintain sobriety, we must, first and foremost, consider the grave implications which this misconduct casts upon the judiciary," the court said.
Doggett was suspended with pay by the high court in 2002 stemming from a complaint. The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana later recommended his removal, and the high court removed him Tuesday.
Doggett claimed that since he was re-elected after his alcoholism was made public, his constituents were aware of his problem and did not care.
But the high court said a judge can be disciplined for violating the code of office, "even if his constituency condones such behavior."
Under the ruling, Doggett cannot run for judge for at least five years, and the Supreme Court must certify him as eligible if he does.
Can we say mistrial?
Associated Press
Posted May 26 2004, 11:21 AM EDT
NEW ORLEANS - An alcoholic judge was kicked off the bench Tuesday for repeatedly being drunk in the courtroom.
District Judge Monty L. Doggett issued arrest warrants when he was too drunk to read them, was sometimes so intoxicated that court had to be canceled and once had to be carried out of his courtroom by deputies, the Louisiana Supreme Court said in its unanimous ruling Tuesday.
"Although we feel compassion for Judge Doggett's struggle to maintain sobriety, we must, first and foremost, consider the grave implications which this misconduct casts upon the judiciary," the court said.
Doggett was suspended with pay by the high court in 2002 stemming from a complaint. The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana later recommended his removal, and the high court removed him Tuesday.
Doggett claimed that since he was re-elected after his alcoholism was made public, his constituents were aware of his problem and did not care.
But the high court said a judge can be disciplined for violating the code of office, "even if his constituency condones such behavior."
Under the ruling, Doggett cannot run for judge for at least five years, and the Supreme Court must certify him as eligible if he does.
Can we say mistrial?