Ohio former judge disciplined
The Ohio judge who held public defender Brian Jones in contempt for refusing to proceed with trial on a case he had been appointed to only two hours before (later reversed on appeal) has been disciplined for misconduct in numerous other matters, including berating defense attorneys in front of a jury, refusing to provide records for appeals from his court, expressing his personal opinion to a jury, and ex-parte communications with a prosecutor. He was suspended from the practice of law for one year, with 6 months stayed.
The allegations included that the former judge, attorney John Joseph Plough of Ravenna, Ohio,
failed to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary; has failed to dispose of judicial matters promptly, efficiently, and fairly; has failed to diligently discharge
administrative responsibilities without bias; has engaged in ex parte communication; and has engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The one count that was dismissed against Plough involved another instance where he denied a public defender's motion for continuance when she had just been appointed a case, but then relented and granted the continuance later in the day.
Comments
as a committed member of the defense bar, corrupt judges are the most dangerous element of a judicial system gone awry. If the people cannot rely on the expectation that the judge is neutral and will make fair rulings according to the facts and law of the particular case, all faith in America having the best judicial system is severely shaken.
Posted by: Richard Wagner | July 26, 2010 1:29 AM