Skip to main content

Ethics

Federal Judge Resigned Facing Impeachment, Sexual Misconduct Allegations With Clerk

Joshua Kindred, who abruptly resigned as a U.S. District Court judge for Alaska last week, had an “inappropriately sexualized relationship” with one of his law clerks, engaged in “unwanted” sexual conduct and then lied about it to the chief judge, according to the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit (access full article).

Inspector General Finds Barr Acted Against DOJ Policy

The Department of Justice’s Inspector General released “A Report of Investigation” into former Attorney General, William Barr, and the DOJ’s release of public statements concerning election fraud. The Inspector General’s office released its report on Thursday, July 25, 2024. In the report, the Inspector General indicates that Barr was involved in the decision to release information obtained from a pending investigation into voter fraud. The IG also found that Barr briefed former President Trump and issued a press-release through U.S.

Real-Time Crime Index Available Online

AH Datalytics has launched a “Real-Time” crime index, (RTCI), online. (access index). AH Datalytics launched the real-time crime index in an effort to “aid in the need for a faster understanding and visualization of national, state, and local crime trends.” AH Datalytics acknowledges certain crime data is under-reported to police and agencies can fail to provide complete or accurate information.

Fifth Circuit Rejects Lawsuit Against Texas Prosecutor Who Also Worked For Judge

Twenty years after being convicted of (vehemently denied) cocaine possession, Erma Wilson learned that the Midland County, Tex. prosecutor (Weldon "Ralph" Petty) on her case was also moonlighting as a law clerk for the presiding judge, a flagrant violation of the constitutional right to a fair trial. Yikes! Though she never served any jail time on the eight-year suspended sentence, the conviction meant she's been unable to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. Can she sue for money damages?

Criminal Justice Act 60th Anniversary Commemoration

On Monday August 19, 2024, the Defender Services Office, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, commemorated the 60th Anniversary of the Criminal Justice Act in Washington D.C. A video recording of the live event can be found here.

The commemoration included welcome and introductory remarks from Elizabeth Brown Luck, Chief, Defender Services Office, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Judge Robert J. Conrad, Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, provided opening remarks for the celebration.