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Disciplinary panel urges prompt impeachment of convicted US judge

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] A disciplinary panel of judges ruled Wednesday that former US District Court judge Samuel Kent engaged in conduct that constitutes grounds for impeachment, and urged prompt action on the matter. Kent, who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for lying about allegations of sexual harassment of two female assistants, had sought to retire on disability and retain his yearly salary. The council denied that request. Under the plea agreement, Kent will serve 33 months in prison and pay both a fine and restitution. Kent's plea prevented him from becoming the first federal judge to go on trial for sexual harassment. He was indicted last August, and was initially charged with the sexual harassment of his former case manager. Charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of his secretary were added in January. In 2007, the American Bar Association (ABA) adopted new policies reforming the Model Code of Judicial Conduct, which for the first time included prohibitions against sexual harassment.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on May 28, 2009 (boomark / email).