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Judge Criticized For Organizing Prayer During Court Hearing

By Howard Friedman

The Mobile, Alabama Press-Register reported Friday that the ACLU is investigating a complaint against state Circuit Judge M. Ashley McKathan over his conduct in a recent case. Jo Ann Snowden, a clerk in the Monroe County Circuit Court?s office, had been secretary of Monroeville?s Morning Star Baptist Church until the minister, with the support of several deacons, removed her. Challenging the validity of their action, Snowden refused to give up possession of the church records. The church filed suit and Snowden counter-claimed. During a conference on the case in his courtroom, Judge McKathan told the parties, as well as spectators and other officials?some 100 people in total?to join hands in a circle while he prayed. At one point, the judge fell to his knees. This is not the first time McKathan has been the subject of criticism. In 2005, he drew attention for wearing judicial robes inscribed with the Ten Commandments to show that biblical law is a foundation of the American legal system. (See prior posting.) McKathan normally presides in Covington County, but was tapped to hear this case when Monroe County Circuit Judge Dawn Hare recused herself.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on March 22, 2008 (boomark / email).