An Illinois judge who sparked outrage by reversing a man’s rape conviction involving a 16-year-old girl has been removed from the bench after a judicial oversight body found he circumvented the law and engaged in misconduct.

An Illinois judge who sparked outrage by reversing a man’s rape conviction involving a 16-year-old girl has been removed from the bench after a judicial oversight body found he circumvented the law and engaged in misconduct.

    • shalafi@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1072·
      9 months ago

      As fucked as this all is, we want to be extraordinarily careful charging judges with crimes. That’s the kind of downhill spiral that will break the system. Best to impeach them, if possible in the jurisdiction.

      • snooggums@midwest.socialEnglish
        823·
        9 months ago

        No.

        They are only special while in the courtroom. If they are committing crimes, they should not get a free pass just because they hold office. They are not royalty.

      • RedFox@infosec.pub
        351·
        9 months ago

        I have a huge issue with judges. They can put people in jail for almost no reason while in their magical room.

        They can let murders out on bail, against prosecutors request and not be held liable for the second murder they commit on bail.

        Yes, you can appeal verdicts, but that’s a long and expensive process. Judges have an extraordinary amount of power that I think should be split amongst multiple. Similar to jury.

        • catloafEnglish
          92·
          9 months ago

          Isn’t that what the judiciary board, the one removing him from the bench, is?

          • ipkpjersi@lemmy.ml
            7·
            9 months ago

            I think he’s saying it shouldn’t just be one judge presiding over regular cases.

            • RedFox@infosec.pub
              4·
              9 months ago

              Indeed. I’d also be in favor of removing some of their god status in the court room. They can basically tell you off, but if you even open your mouth, contempt of court. Jail.

              Where else do you lose your right to utter a word?

          • RedFox@infosec.pub
            5·
            9 months ago

            Indeed. But it took something insanely egregious. I’m curious what other crap he’s pulled.

            I’ve been around judges enough to have seen or heard plenty of BS from court officers, staff, and cops to form my very shitty opinion of their barely checked power.

            Their only checks/balances are other judges/country club drinking buddies.