One Unethical Judge in Georgia
This is the story of one unethical judge in Georgia.
This Twigs County Judge is accused of misstating the law to defendants, helping the side he likes, and screaming at defendants to shut up. He has even insinuated that a defendant gave sexual favors to a state trooper. The Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates complaints against Judges, accused Judge Kenneth E. Fowler of 16 counts of judicial misconduct in June. But Judge Fowler is still presiding over court, and will be for some time to come.
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You see, the commission is staffed by a former prosecutor who works part time, a secretary and an investigator. That’s one of the smallest staffs in the nation. Georgians who turn in complaints to unseat wayward judges must be satisfied with investigations that move at a snails pace. Fowler’s case has been in limbo since the complaints were made.
Every state who has 1,000 judges-except Georgia- employs at least two full time lawyers to investigate complaints, according to the American Judicature Society. Georgia has about 18,000 judges. State budget cuts are expected to further diminish the meager resources of the commission. “The bottom line is that we don’t have the money to pay our investigator or our attorney.” said Marietta attorney, Robert Ingram. The only way the case against Fowler can take place at all, is because former Georgia Attorney Mike Bowers has agreed to take the case without pay. Bowers said he was taking the case because most judges are qualified and ethical but “when you’ve got a bad one, something has to be done.”
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The charges against Fowler are serious. Besides other charges, he is accused of allowing another judge to influence him in a DUI case involving that judge’s friend. He permitted someone who acknowledged he doesn’t speak Spanish to interpret for a Spanish speaking person. Because the commission’s work is secret, it’s impossible for the public to know how well it protects it’s citizens from judges who disregards ethics or the law. Complaints are confidential and commission meetings are closed to the public. Months long secret investigations allow judges to keep their seat throughout investigations. This means judges keep their seats long after their unethical behavior is reported, and to the detriment of the law, many defendants go through the court and are judged in an unlawful manner.
http://socyberty.com/activism/the-coal-industry-said-what/
http://socyberty.com/crime/organ-brokers/
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User Comments
ken bultman
On November 2, 2009 at 9:47 am
Georgia is lucky if it only has one unethical judge. We’ve recently nailed two here in Florida but, you’re right. It’s a slow process but here, it’s in the open. Georgia maybe needs to take a look at its Sunshine Law.
K.Reshma
On November 2, 2009 at 10:51 am
Great article
Christine Ramsay
On November 2, 2009 at 10:56 am
These people should be above reproach. The sooner he has gone the better. Good work.
Christine
richard wing
On November 2, 2009 at 10:57 am
Can’t he be voted out? Is that an appointed judge? Sounds like an archaic judge gone awry. I thought lady justice was blind folded. Corruption runs rampant through our society but we have judges to determine right from wrong to convict the criminals. Seems like this one has run amok. Great article Ruby!
Vikram Chhabra
On November 2, 2009 at 11:16 am
There are rotten apples in every basket…
chitragopi
On November 2, 2009 at 12:01 pm
There are judges over here who thrive on bribe and no one cares.
Frances Lawrence
On November 2, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I learn so much about USA from your articles, this is a very bad situation. Judges should live up to their position of trust.
B Nelson
On November 2, 2009 at 12:43 pm
pretty sad situation.
Alistair Briggs
On November 2, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Not really surprising, there are judges like that everywhere.
Katien
On November 2, 2009 at 3:40 pm
It does make a mockery of the law.
Jamie Myles
On November 2, 2009 at 4:37 pm
corrupt judges and corrupt prosecutors Should be delt with swiftly and harshly because they have made a mockery of our legal system. To deny anyone of a fair impartial trial Is wrong so give them their day in court for their criminal, unethical, dishonest behavior.
martie
On November 2, 2009 at 5:35 pm
sadly many time people don’t even complain because they are afraid things will be made worse for them.
cebuanaeyez
On November 2, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Wow…talk about being biased! Thanks Ruby for sharing.
Lostash
On November 2, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Justice? I think there are problems the world over. Too many people suffer before these people are disposed of. Power goes hand in hand with corruption.
Shirley Shuler
On November 2, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I can’t say I’m surprised, Ruby. It’s just makes a mockery of the law!!
Mystify
On November 2, 2009 at 9:06 pm
You are a wonderful journalistic writer Ruby,that is for sure! There is bad people everywhere you go I guess! These people should have nothing to do with the law!!
larry84
On November 2, 2009 at 9:42 pm
good write
Goodselfme
On November 2, 2009 at 10:38 pm
TX for a well presented post. Interesting and enlightening since I learned from your information.
Judy Sheldon
On November 2, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Ruby, it is sad but true, as comment after comment mentioned, authority is often abused. Positions like these need close moderation because when they are abused there is little recourse for those they abuse and the travesties are mighty.
Jane Benitez
On November 2, 2009 at 10:54 pm
In our society we often witness how power breeds corruption. The judge really abused his power and appreciate you sharing.
Daisy Peasblossom
On November 2, 2009 at 11:01 pm
It is unfortunate that due process protects the guilty as well as the innocent.
CHAN LEE PENG
On November 3, 2009 at 12:31 am
Unfortunately, this was a human error.
PR Mace
On November 3, 2009 at 12:32 am
Sad situation. Are you sure you only have one?
Maxthevir
On November 3, 2009 at 4:51 am
Interesting article. My friend wants to be a lawyer. I’ll tell him to read this.
papaleng
On November 3, 2009 at 5:16 am
A well presented post. The sooner this judge is axe the better for the justice system.
Sharif Ishnin
On November 3, 2009 at 6:41 am
Ultimately, with a bad record like that, he would be axed. It’s only a question of time.;)
Phill Senters
On November 3, 2009 at 10:58 am
Hats off to Mike Bowers. Maybe HE should be given the judge’s job. ………Good article Ruby.
T.Rex McGoogle
On November 3, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hooray for Mike Bowers. We have enough trouble here in Georgia with our judicial system than to have to tolerate bad judges, too. I enjoyed your article, Ruby.
deep blue
On November 4, 2009 at 7:20 am
Justice delayed, justice denied. Hmmmmnn. this judge should be making time in a place where the people he sentenced to death and life imprisonment dwell in. Great post, Ruby.
Jamaicafest
On November 4, 2009 at 5:20 pm
This is outrageous!!!
Wennie Estares
On November 5, 2009 at 3:30 am
I agree with your opinion since I am working in the judiciary too.
Leonardo davinci Evans
On November 13, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Through Ruby the voices for Justice have come calling.
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