What if you found a Judge doing something immoral and possibly illegal?

[cpamomfromtexas]

And that Judge called herself/himself a Democrat?

What would you do?


Be specific please, creative options appreciated.



Edited for gender.

[GeorgeGist]

1. Does it matter that she's a judge?

[DrDan]

2. Does it matter that she's a Democrat?

[quinnox]

3. turn in that mofu

anonymously make a phone call to authorities and tip them off, is what I'd do.

[LuvNewcastle]

4. It would really depend on what it was.

If it was a misdemeanor, I might not say anything about it. If it was something serious, like taking a bribe, I would definitely report it. I would also take into consideration the judge's reputation on the bench. For instance, if the judge was known to be a hard ass, I would be much more likely to report the crime, whether it was serious or not.

[Marrah_G]

5. I would report it to the Bar association

[AnotherMcIntosh]

7. You must like in a State other than Illinois.

[Marrah_G]

9. I live in MA

Not sure if reporting it would help or not. I just wouldn't know what other course to take in the matter. Also I should have been a little more clear: I would report if I thought the judge was doing something illegal or unethical, immoral is a little too subjective.

[Tx4obama]

6. I'd first research to see if it is illegal or not. As far as immoral, depends on what it is. n/t

[Nye Bevan]

8. "Immoral"? You mean like having an extramarital affair? Nothing. (nt)

[Duer 157099]

10. Be specific about a totally vague hypothetical?

Nah, don't think so.

[Nevernose]

11. I think YOU need to be more specific

No offense intended, but you're really the one who needs to be more specific. You're going to need to define the immoral/illegal act.

For instance, I once sat in a judge's chambers and watched an illegally downloaded copy of Terminatorn3. Or maybe it was e fourth one, I can't recall. We were joined by a public defender, a deputy district attorney, and an FBI agent. We made popcorn. It was both illegal and immoral, and none of us really cared.

That could be one possibility. Another possibility could be like that dude in Louisiana who, in order to defend himself against his wife's alleged poisoning attack, stole babies fm around the neighborhood and made smoothies out of them.

I guess what I'm saying here is: you've got to give me more to work with.

[cpamomfromtexas]

21. Sorry, just provided specifics below.

[1monster]

12. What does it matter what political party s/he called him/herself? I may be

registered with the Democratic Party, but that is not all of who or all of what I am. It certainly doesn't mean I would cover for the criminal actions of another just because they also registered as a Democrat.

What would I do? I'd pass the possible evidence to whatever appropriate investigators.

[11 Bravo]

13. I would wish I had voted for Mitt Romney!

(You subtle devil, you.)

[cpamomfromtexas]

14. thanks everyone, here's specifics

She appointed an attorney to research findings of the court and the document specifically states that the attorney is not to represent the defendant. This is after he's been incarcerated (illegally according to several other attorneys who have seen the case).

But the day PRIOR to signing this document, she appointed the SAME attorney to be his court appointed attorney!

Defendant thinks it is to stall and keep the appeal from moving forward.

I know this is a conflict of interest for the appointed attorney, how could he/she independently represent defendant in a fair manner?

But not sure if it is illegal though.

Looking at this judges other rulings makes me think she has higher aspirations, but I don't want anyone like that representing Democrats.

I've already called and emailed FBI several times on other issues in this case, no response whatsoever.

Either corruption runs so deep in Texas that they don't have time to answer or who knows?

[cpamomfromtexas]

16. More specifics

When I went to obtain court transcripts for this now indigent defendant, she screamed at me and accused me of "practicing law without a license" by attempting to get the transcripts so I could give them to the person who would prepare his motions for him.

I'm no attorney, but thought that was way out of line for a sitting Judge.

I immediately prepared an affidavit of all the particulars.

She's up for reelection next year.

Hoping someone runs against her. I will provide all the details to her opponent.

Do we have any FBI agents, in the house? I could sure use your help!

[LuvNewcastle]

19. Sounds like it should be reported.

If I thought a lawyer and a judge were conspiring to railroad a defendant, that's something I would absolutely report. That's a very serious matter.

[Lex]

17. First, the attorney should recuse himself.

The judge should be reported to her superior.

[Nevernose]

18. A good legal rule is that if you have to ask "Is this unethical?"

Then it probably is. At any rate, if you avoid any situations where that needs to be asked, you'll be fine. On edit: by "you" I mean the judge and attorney.

I'm not as familiar with Texas, but there should be a judicial ethics board, usually made up of other judges, that handles this kind of stuff. There is also the state bar association, who handles this kind of stuff but is probably corrupt and incompetent. If you really feel the need to all federal authorities on this, you probably need to contact the appropriate branch of the DOJ.

Personally, I would start by having a private, casual conversation with the attorney to see what's up. There might be some totally innocent explanation.

Finally, my integrity is the most important thing I have. The integrity of public officials is equally important to me. I'd rather that Democrats lost every single election than elect Democrats who lack integrity. There really are more important things than winning.

[NoPasaran]

15. I would have a bowl of alphabet soup

And see if that spelled out any answers

[TorchTheWitch]

20. I don't give a shit what letter is on their sweater

And the fact that people do or even consider it shows exactly what is wrong with our political system.

[COLGATE4]

22. If it's immoral - I don't care.

If it's illegal, report him/her to the authorities. If it's unethical (which is what you seem to be trying to get at) then register a complaint with the State Bar. They have authority to disipline judges who do not comport with the rules set out for them the the State Bar.