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William M. Watkins (West Virginia)
William M. Watkins, III was a family court judge for the Twenty-Sixth Family Circuit in Putnam County, West Virginia. He began serving as a judge in 2002.[1]
Beginning on January 4, 2013, Watkins took a medical leave of absence. Subsequently, on March 26, 2013, Watkins was suspended from the court without pay through the duration of his current term, which would have expired at the end of 2016.[2] On November 30, 2013, Watkins officially resigned from the bench.[3]
Education
Watkins earned his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his J.D. from West Virginia University.[4]
Career
Watkins began serving as a judge on the Putnam County Family Court in 2002. He was admitted to the West Virginia Bar in 1978.[4]
Noteworthy events
Watkins suspended for remainder of his term, without pay (2013)
In March 2013, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia suspended Judge Watkins through the remainder of his current term, which would have expired at the end of 2016.[2] Watkins did not receive any pay while on suspension. In its ruling, the court responded to seven charges filed against Watkins by the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission, alleging he, "delayed rulings, failed to enter domestic violence orders into the state's tracking system and screamed and cursed at litigants."[2][5]
During the hearing for the case in February 2013, Watkins' attorney argued that the court did not have the authority to suspend Watkins from service, and that such an action would be unconstitutional. In its decision, the court noted that it did have such power since suspension would not bar Watkins from serving in the position in the future. Additionally, the court noted that it had been granted the power to remove judges by the state constitution so long as that removal would bolster confidence in the judiciary.[2]
Essentially, Watkins' attorney argued that the court did not have the authority to impeach Watkins. The court agreed, highlighting the differences between its suspension and a legislative impeachment, which would have disqualified Watkins from further service. In a concurring opinion, Chief Justice Brent Benjamin raised concerns about the precedent this suspension raised for the future, and how it could be abused by a partisan court.[5]
Watkins took a medical leave of absence on January 4, 2013. At that time, Deloris Nibert was appointed to fill his seat. Full opinions from the court on Watkins' suspension can be found on the Supreme Court's website.[6][7]
Watkins resignation
In October 2013, Watkins notified Governor Earl Ray Tomblin that he would resign on November 30, 2013. The state's Judicial Vacancy Advisory Committee was to interview candidates to replace Watkins on December 16 and recommend 2-5 names to Governor Tomblin. Former judge Deloris Nibert would continue to serve until a replacement was named.[1]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 www.wvgazette.com, "Suspended Putnam Family Court judge to resign," November 12, 2013
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 West Virginia Gazette, "Putnam judge suspended for remainder of term," March 26, 2013
- ↑ Embattled W.Va. judge takes medical leave, WVVA.com, January 4, 2013
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Martindale, "Judge Profile: William M. Watkins, III," accessed November 23, 2013
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The State Journal, "WV Supreme Court suspends 'screaming judge' for rest of term," March 26, 2013
- ↑ West Virginia Courts, "In the Matter of: Judge William M. Watkins, III: Benjamin, Chief Justice, concurring," March 26, 2013
- ↑ West Virginia Courts, "In the matter of: Judge William M. Watkins, III, Putnam County Family Court Judge," March 26, 2013
