Hearing date set for suspended District Judge accused of misconduct

March 28, 2011

Michigan: Jackson County District Court Judge James Justin has been suspended with pay since July of 2010 due to charges of misconduct. Justin allegedly dismissed his wife's and his own parking tickets, delayed sentences and wrongly dismissed charges, among other offenses. Retired District Judge Pamela McCabe, who presided over a week long judicial misconduct hearing for Justin in January of 2011, issued a report on the judge's behavior to the Judicial Tenure Commission on March 24th. She stated, “He [Justin] has repeatedly and intentionally demonstrated a defiant lack of respect for the rule of law and the separation of powers.” Justin and his lawyer responded that they will read through the 26-page report to find where McCabe's "conclusions were inaccurate."

A hearing of oral arguments from both sides will be held on May 9, 2011 before the Judicial Tenure Commission. If the commission finds proof of misconduct, they may recommend the state Supreme Court to discipline Judge Justin or even remove him from office.