Litigation

JAS Criticizes Call for Judicial Ousters

By Charlie Hall

Justice at Stake has criticized an Iowa congressman for urging the ousters of “lawless judges” following this week’s order striking down the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on gay military personnel (See Gavel Grab).

On Tuesday, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa, photo at right)) condemned the ruling in a statement titled: “Lawless judges should be removed from the bench.” He added, “Judges should not be rewarded for flagrant disregard of the Rule of Law and the American people should respond by pursuing avenues which would result in the removal of lawless judges from the state and federal bench.”

In a news release issued today, JAS Bert Brandenburg said:

“Almost every American, liberal and conservative, has been angered by particular legal rulings, but that?s because we ask courts to settle tough legal disputes. It is reckless to threaten judges with ouster simply because we don?t like a particular decision. Political threats don?t belong in America?s courtrooms.”

The last call for impeachment of a federal judge over philosophical beliefs was against Jay Bybee, an appellate judge appointed by President George W. Bush, who was criticized for legal memos, prior to becoming a judge, that justified torture of detainees. Justice at Stake criticized those impeachment calls, as well.

Full post as published by The Gavel on October 13, 2010 (boomark / email).