THE WORLD HAS GONE MAD

(12/12/2006)

The Game: Trial by Chance - Chapter Three

By Carrie K. Hutchens

The rules may change everywhere depending upon the players involved, but it appears that some in Florida either don't mind being obvious about any of it or think we're all too senile to remember and comprehend what has been taking place down there. In either case, they ended up with an audience they most likely weren't counting on.

Florida is the state where the Judicial Qualifications Commission has filed charges against Judge Cliff Barnes for supposedly breaking judicial rules. According to the TCPalm, "Barnes is accused of demeaning the "integrity and independence" of the judiciary by publicly airing his complaints, including writing a guest column for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers called: "Criminal justice partners must get on same page." That column allegedly "provides misleading information to the public concerning the judicial system," according to the notice of formal charges filed against him. "This cumulative misconduct constitutes a pattern and practice unbecoming a judicial officer and lacking the dignity appropriate to judicial office, with the effect of bringing the judiciary into disrepute," the complaint states."

I find this more than a little amusing!

The JQC thinks it is a horrendous wrong for Judge Barnes to have shared his thoughts through the press? Where was this horror back in 2003 when it appears a sitting judge was talking to the press about a pending case? That's right, seems as though they weren't worried about Judge George Greer allegedly making statements to the press about the Terri Schiavo case while motions were still before him. Nor were they concerned about Greer making negative comments about the governor. Apparently that doesn't count. It's dignified to put down the governor, I guess. Just can't put down the actions of another judge or procedure. To do the latter is treading on sacred ground, it would seem.

Likewise in the obvious category is the fact that a judge is suppose to recuse himself if there is even an appearance of conflict, bias and so forth, but it didn't happen? How much "appearance" did the JQC need before it looked at Judge Greer's refusal to disqualify himself? Was someone handing out blinders and logic blockers back in 2003?

Of course, this is the JQC down in Florida that recommended Judge John Sloop be suspended, rather than removed from the bench, though he had eleven people arrested after they were directed to the wrong court room. Guess the JQC doesn't comprehend, or care, how traumatic being arrested and strip searched can be. Some people never get over it. But... oh well... that was merely members from the public and I guess the JQC figured it didn't demean the dignity and integrity of the judiciary, even if it may have destroyed the dignity (and sense of security) of the wrongfully arrested victims.

Sorry folks, but being strip searched due to a judge's wrongful temper tantrum isn't an "oops"! It is a very serious matter! It does demean the integrity and dignity of the court!

A judge allegedly speaking to the press and others about a pending case is a very serious matter! It does demean the integrity and dignity of the court!

A judge going on speaking engagements that allegedly prove the bias initially claimed, is a very serious matter! It does demean the integrity and dignity of the court!

A judge disrespecting the authority of other agencies, departments and bodies of government, is a very serious matter! It does demean the integrity and dignity of the court!

A judge filing a complaint about a process not working as intended, should be taken seriously. Is it troubling? More troubling would be the judges ignoring wrong-doing and turning a blind eye towards the public being victimized in a system that is suppose to ensure justice and due process. More troubling would be allowing judges to get away with ruling according to their bias (and conflict of interest) rather than the law. More troubling is the system that makes all filings public information and then holds the filing against any because the public learned of it.

The JQC is worried about Judge Barnes not wearing his robe during a hearing? That is more important than eleven people being arrested, due to a temper tantrum of a judge, and then forced to remove their clothing in front of strangers?

Judge Barnes allegedly complained about a process not working as it is suppose to. Judge Greer allegedly talked about a pending case.

Judge Barnes missed meetings he says he didn't know were mandatory. (If they were concerned -- why didn't they say something at the onset?) Judge Greer missed going to see Terri Schiavo though he was acting as though she was his ward and making life and death decisions for her.

Judge Barnes may not have ruled properly on domestic violence cases? Judge Greer didn't just order that a feeding tube be removed, he ordered that Terri Schiavo was not to be given anything by mouth. (That's like taking someone off the ventilator and when they keep on breathing, you put a pillow over their face and suffocate them.)

It would seem that the rules are ever changing down there in Florida and the JQC's actions tells it well. How much more obvious do we need it after knowing JQC's actions (or lack thereof) with regard to these three judges alone? Three judges. Three sets of rules.

The court (and even JQC) has the odds in its favor and their rules -- whatever they might be for the day -- are what are enforced. So spin the wheel, throw the dice, draw a card and take a chance! Maybe today you will be lucky. Maybe not!

Carrie Hutchens is a former law enforcement officer and a freelance writer who is active in fighting against the death culture movement and the injustices within the judicial and law enforcement systems.