WHAT a maroon. She's taken her position over the top and is trying to use her FAT as an excuse.

WHERE did she get the idea that a Judge, an ELECTED Judge at that, was somehow "Queen of the Mountain?"

She SHOULD lose her lawsuit, but sheeple being sheeple and always looking for someone to blame ($omeone who won't mi$$ the ca$h), they'll probably give her a huge settlement.

Obesity is not a disability. It's a CHOICE. A bad choice to overeat foods that aren't good for you.

Maroon in a black gown with a gavel in her hand.

Auntie Coosa: If you didn't see it, there was an extensive discussion about obesity. It is not just a "choice".

However, being a bully and a jerk is a choice.
Abusing your position (using court staff for personal purposes, like swearing in her husband) and dereliction of duty (falling asleep on the bench?!) are sufficient reasons to remove her.
I say: Boot her out.

Some of those employees probably have well-founded legal actions, too. If I were an attorney, I'd probably approach that bailiff about a sexual harassment suit.

Are you surprised a judge could be such a royal pain? - No, not surprised, alot of them abuse their powers.

Do you think her actions were enough to take her crown, I mean gavel, away from her? - If they're true, Yes, she should have her gavel taken away.

Do you think judicial removal should only be sought in the most extreme circumstances? - Not necessarily, it should be a case by case thing.

I also wanted to point out that her lawyer didn't make a very good case for himself in the statement...He said: "It's apparent that some people believe her physical appearance somehow makes her unable to perform her duties as a judge. Last time I checked, being a judge doesn't require a beauty contest."
First he made it sound like these people were doing these things for her voluntarily and out of sympathy for her. Plus, pointing out that his client isn't beauty contest material? That's nice, and just what I'd want from my lawyer - he sounds like a jerk too.

Her size has nothing to do with her conduct and that particular aspect of this story should be considered completely irrelevant. It would be just as bad for a thin judge to behave that way and use, say, having lung cancer from years of smoking, or even a heart condition that occurred naturally, as an excuse. So, lets leave out all the fat jokes and rude comments about her size and just focus on the actual behaviour, eh?

The most serious part of the allegations isn't how she treats her aides. That's despicable, but it doesn't interfere with the operation of the court itself or the function of the justice system. What really should be the focus is that this judge is falling asleep at the bench and potentially tainting juries. Both of those are serious issues.

If you're on trial, for example, and the prosecutor asks an improper question or is doing something like leading or badgering the witness, and your attorney makes an objection, if the judge is asleep, even if she's woken up to deal with the objection, she won't have heard what the prosecutor actually did or the tone of voice that was used or any gestures, etc., all of which can be important in determining if an objection should be sustained or overruled. As a result, she can't make an accurate ruling.

Tainting juries is even worse, of course, in that doing so completely subverts the purpose of not just the trial, but the justice system as a whole. Its something completely inexcusable for ANY judge to do.

As for how she treats her aides, one article I read said that she had hired her own guards, feeling that the ones employed by the court couldn't protect her adequately. (I wonder what she was worried about - relatives of defendants who got screwed because she was sleeping through their trials?) Now, lets assume that she legitimately needs someone to help her with things like putting shoes on, keeping her oxygen full and so on (again, these are things a thin person with a disability could need, also, so her size is STILL irrelevant!)

No one has the right to put court aides to work as, essentially, nurses or personal assistants. What she should have done is hire a private-duty nurse, contracted with a nurse-temp agency to have a nurse at her job each day, or just hired someone who would be capable of doing the things she needed help with - obviously, they didn't require medical training, or a clerk in a courthouse wouldn't have been able to do them, eh? No, it's not necessarily going to be cheep to do, but if she could afford to hire private guards, then she certainly could afford to hire a personal assistant to handle those chores.

This judge needs to be kicked out of the courts. She has clearly abused and neglected her position and doesn't deserve to hold it any longer, even if there is an election soon. Fat or thin, able-bodied or disabled, she's a bad judge, and that's the only part that matters here.

I'm just glad she didn't eat anyone.

Of course this isn't discrimination. The lawyer is wrong to say she was removed because of her weight. She was removed because she abused her authority. It's a shame she is so self-absorbed she can't see the error of her ways. I'd make a guess that her self-absorbtion is also a factor in her weight.

raciccarone, that was entirely uncalled for. There are enough things she's done wrong that have nothing to do with her weight. I don't defend her actions in the least, but the fat jokes are just out of line. If you have to insult her, insult her for being an egotist, a shrew (swearing her husband in to make sure he did his chores?), falling asleep during trials or some of her TRUE offenses and leave her size out of it.

I agree UnDave and Thorswitch.

Just a question though - I didn't see where it said she was falling asleep at the bench, it just said they had to cover her with a blanket during naps. Did I miss something?

It's in the 3rd paragraph:

Witness also allege she had her husband sworn in once, to testify under oath that he completed household chores. Officially, she is being suspended for misusing her position, tainting juries, and falling asleep on the bench

It was also mentioned in a couple other stories I've seen on the matter, along with the mention of her having hired private guards. She really is a piece of work!

she's clearly insane... and for that, i love this woman. she sounds totally fun.

If the allegations are true then she should be fired. Using obesity as an excuse is ridiculous.

Of course there is a possibility that it's just her weird sense of humor.

Raciccarone, well put

Well I guarantee that if she was the type of person to cultivate respect and likeability you wouldn't have people that mind helping her out with in reason as it relates to her disabilities. I'm sorry but if you want a massage hire a professional to come in on your lunch break. That's just a little too personal a request.

If I'm not mistaken in each judicial department there is a lead judge that allocates the cases to the other judges. If the election is in September I would just give here administrative duties until then. Why waste tax dollars trying to dethrone her? If she's falling asleep on the bench she's obviously unable to perform her job description.

If the allegations are true then she should be fired. Using obesity as an excuse is ridiculous.

Would it be any less ridiculous if she were thin and her excuse had been that she had heart disease, cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis or any of the other disabilities that can leave a person with seriously mobility issues and a need for oxygen. Absolutely not - it'd be EVERY BIT as ridiculous as her trying to claim her size is the problem. Like I said in my first post her weight is entirely irrelevant - it is her *BEHAVIOUR* that is the problem!

And even if she had been thin and in perfect health, falling asleep at the bench, tainting juries and using the court to swear her husband into tell her if he did the chores or not is an inexcusable abuse of her position. That IN AND OF ITSELF should warrant her removal, regardless of how she treated her staff (which was outrageous itself.)

Oh, and BTW: I'm likely to keep coming back to this point about her weight being irrelevant because that's exactly what it is. If y'all don't want to see me keep harping about it, don't bring it up in your comments. She doesn't deserve to be taken off the bench because she's fat. She deserves to be taken off the bench because she's a bad judge, and would be just as bad of a judge if she looked like Jessica Alba or Kiera Knightly.

Hypnoticmix, the main reason to boot her before the election is that while those of us from across the country who pay attention to the news have heard about this case, we're still in the minority of Americans from what I can tell. A lot of people don't watch the news or read the newspaper, and so judges who were truly awful and who's record of problems had been publicized have gotten re-elected before because more of the people who voted either did know about the situation, couldn't remember the name of the judge involved (there's usually more than just one judicial election being held) or just don't care.

If they let the election proceed and she wins, then they still have to go through the whole process of kicking her out, and her defense attorney can bring up the fact that even after her "supposed crimes" (as I imagine he'd term it) were made public, the people still re-elected her and thus they have no problem with her behaviour. It's bull... but it might work, and I don't think that's a reasonable risk to take.

That's not the point. Nobody is firing her because she is obese. They're firing her because she's acting ridiculous. She is the one that made it about obesity.

But when people post messages about how its a good thing she didn't "eat" anyone or railing on about obesity being a choice, they're making her weight part of why she should be fired. What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter. She'd be just as wrong and just as deserving of firing thin as she is fat, so rude cracks about her size are out of line.

Would it be appropriate for people to make jokes about how she must have had PMS month-round to treat people that badly? Of if she were a gay man, to have people making jokes about her being a "queen" and acting like a "Queen"? If you're going to insult someone, do it on the things they TRULY DO CHOOSE to do.

There's so much more to obesity than eating too much or not exercising enough, and once the weight has been gained, it's almost impossible to have any kind of long-term (5 years or more) success in keeping it off - even after bariatric surgery. Plus, there have been a number of studies that show that if a person loses weight after having been fat for a number of years, they actually put themselves at extra risk for or "early death" (whatever THAT is - I don't think anyone's got a schedule sitting around somewhere saying when we're all supposed to kick off or something.) So insult her for being an ass - not for being fat, 'k?

thorswitch: I agree with you to a point however I think the "bad judges" that you are referring to that seem to go unnoticed by the general majority are the judges that make politically unpopular decisions. Conflict in judicial ideology is simply too deep an issue; lay persons in general don't want to be bothered with stuff that deep. However, when you have judges that are acting out over the top as it relates to behavior not judicial ideology people pay attention and people pay attention because the media pays attention. The media loves nuts and people love hearing about nutty people. Make no doubt the person/persons running against her will make sure she gets a front page spread.

everyone should just calm down. if she's not removed from the bench soon she's going to break it any way... so lets just let nature work it's course on this one, eh?

Thank you Thors for pointing that out to me. I figured I had missed something.

Thor...do you mind if I call you Thor? LOL

I agree with you I don't think people should make fat jokes. I agree that obesity is a serious matter and not a joke.

However, I don't think this is a good example for the cause. This woman IS an ass. She is not doing her job. She deserves to be fired. Period.

agree with harmonyfrance.

This is a great example of why women should not be in positions of power. They just abuse it once they have it....

(Oh I kid....)

How do you make someone massage your shoulders? Can't you say "no"? What is wrong with people?

I haven't read anything more on the subject, but I have a feeling if she did look like Jessica Alba, people would be happier to rub her back and put her shoes on, and they wouldn't be complaining about it.

Nevertheless, it sounds like she was abusing her power a bit and should certainly be reprimanded.

Excellent point popgoestheworld as it relates to the complainents.

I'm new to the legal world and already I have to say, judges for the most part are completely and totally obnoxious, unreasonable, and misuse their power.

This woman took it to another level, but most judges don't sit and listen and ask the appropriate questions to get to the truth. They play mind games, twist people's words, LOVE to embarrass attorneys, and don't even pay attention most of the time. It's like they are there to win, beat the attorneys and the witnesses, not to find the truth - way too many egos. Our culture of having everyone rise up for them, making attorneys call them "your honor" and ask their permission to even approach them to hand them a paper, and shut up no matter how important what they are saying is when the judge decides to ask a completely off topic question or even mock/complain for no reason has created this atmosphere of royalty and peasants. We treat them like they are above the law so of course they act this way - I mean we don't do any of these things for other political figures.

I know a few good ones, but for the most part, I am shocked and somewhat uncomfortable with the typical "judge" attitude.

I haven't read anything more on the subject, but I have a feeling if she did look like Jessica Alba, people would be happier to rub her back and put her shoes on, and they wouldn't be complaining about it.

Is it all right to point out how sexist your comment is Pop? If this was a male judge (and hot), do you think women would feel the same way about that?

"Is it all right to point out how sexist your comment is Pop? If this was a male judge (and hot), do you think women would feel the same way about that?"

Sure you can point out whatever you want. But in this case, I don't understand what you are saying.

I pulled Jessica Alba's name from Thor's post.

I presume she is using her obesity as a "disability" excuse. Hence, needing some to put on her shoes. (Oh, come on, really--I've never been petite, but they do make slip-ons, y'know?!)

Also, her actions put the entity she represents at risk of being sued for any number of reasons. Sexual harassment, hostile workplace, who knows what else. Those apply no matter how (un)attractive she is, and whether the judge and the allegedly abused employee are different genders or not.

And the fat jokes, people, are unnessary and completely out of line.

^^ Oops, unnecessary. Fingers are even slower than brain.

Yeah, harmonyfranceyou can call me Thor

And yes, she is an ass, no doubt about it. But the thing is, she'd be an ass no matter what her size is. That's part of the point I'm trying to make. Her size is simply a non-issue here. She's an abusive judge through-and-through.

popgoestheworld, you're right, too - if she *did* look like Jessica Alba (or, for UnDave35's benefit, Beyonce, J-Lo, Neil Patrick-Harris, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, a really hot lesbian celebrity (sorry, I can't think of any off the top of my head) or Antonio Bandaras - all provided, of course, that the aide being asked to do the work would find the judge to be attractive...) it's unlikely there would be much complaining. But she'd still be just as wrong to ask for it, much less expect it!

I like to use Portia de Rossi as my "hot lesbian celebrity" example. Just in case you need one in the future

Thanks pop (is it OK if I call you "pop"? ) I'll keep her in mind!

Of course

I want to know which legal scholars would see her behavior as "personality quirks." She's so obviously abusing her position. If nothing else, these "quirks" would lead me to question her sanity and I certainly wouldn't want to think that there are judges out there who behave this way and take their positions so lightly.

Yes because the issue with her sleeping/getting massages/making others put on her shoes/acting inappropriately really is directly related to her size. The allegations are about the abuse of power - not about her size.

Really how some people argue certain sides is ridiculous.

These aren't personality quirks - failure to do her job and abusing her position have nothing to do with obesity. I am tired of people excusing absolutely abhorrent actions with ridiculous and unrelated distractions.

I think elections for judges are perhaps the most difficult. Judges are not allowed to discuss their positions on subjects they would be ruling on. These are local elections, and it is unlikely anything less media crazy would get out to the general public. I always feel like I'm in a microcosm of people that have worked with the attorneys running for judge and have seen their work ethic. Even clients don't spend this kind of time or can gauge whether their attorney really did anything. I'm there, I know who does what, who makes things personal and would get crazy up on the bench. The nonattorney positions of lower court judges are even more just popularity contests, and it is very difficult to tell how these people will apply the law on the bench. One or two really upset people could dethrone a judge who applies the law fairly (say, in a case gives the sentence the leg called for, not enough for public outcry). The judge cannot respond...

There are so many distractions, and very few concrete decisions people can point to (like say city council decisions).

I have no answer, this is the system we live in, but imagine how uninformed voters are on most subjects, and then think about whether even informed voters have a real understanding of the judicial choices..... it is a little terrifying.

"These aren't personality quirks - failure to do her job and abusing her position have nothing to do with obesity. I am tired of people excusing absolutely abhorrent actions with ridiculous and unrelated distractions."

I COMPLETELY agree Meg.

The judge's abuse of power is out of line and she should be fired for that regardless. The sleeping in court, on the other hand, could be narcolepsy and that is a disability.

I can't believe that the employees put up with the treatment this long and no one said anything until now. I know that some employees due things that they do not want to do b/c they are fearful of losing their jobs. I am sure that some lawyers complained about the falling asleep. She was plain and simple abusing her position and that is the end of it. It has nothing to do with her size or her use of a scooter.

wow. i'm surprised they didn't remove her from her position earlier.

Meike, true, narcolepsy is a possibility, but I think if that were the case, I think her lawyer would have mentioned that, rather than trying to claim that this whole thing is happening because people don't find her attractive. Trying to claim that she's being discriminated against because of her size is so ridiculous in this case that either she has absolutely NOTHING else to go on for a defense, or her lawyer's an idiot. Or both!

It pisses me off when someone tries to claim they're being discriminated against because they're fat when they'd be facing EXACTLY the same issues if she'd engaged in the same behaviour but had been thin. The are who knows how many legitimate cases of someone being discriminated against because of their size (I've had it happen to me,) when someone like this comes along and tries to claim she's been discriminated against for her size, it just damages the credibility of those of us who actually HAVE been discriminated againts.

Thor...it irritates me when ANYBODY tries to claim discrimination when really they are just not doing their job. In any situation. It's really aggravating!

This judges actions are way out of line whether she is fat or thin it does not matter. She is still seeking re-election also, now I just think she is stupid. What I will say is that some of the complaints that she has had against her might not have happened if she was not so morbidly obese (lets be honest here she is way over just obese) The bailiff would not have had to change her oxygen or put her shoes on for her. Now swearing in the husband was just stupid and now hiring your own security who does not have to go through the metal detectors is a liibilty for the state and it can also put other people in danger. And I do not think sleeping during the trial is a medical issue! I think that most of these complaints would have been the same if she weighted 100 or 500 pounds.

Just for the record - Judge Halverson was removed from the bench approximately a year ago. Her cases have been reassigned to other judges in the court as best as I understand, doesn't have any active duties or responsibilities in her court.

The Judicial Ethics Commission issued a complaint alleging approximately 14 allegations of misconduct (it might be more, I'm operating completely off of memory) earlier this year. These allegations are quite extensive - more extensive than expressed in this article.

This is not a new story, this has been going on for quite some time and the hearing will be next month (assuming memory serves me correct).

It is very interesting to follow this story, look into some of the archives of the facts and circumstances - it's certain to be enlightening.

Thor, Everything raciccarone says is called for....he made us swear to that.

harmonyfrance - Agreed - it bugs me, too, when people claim discrimination for any cause when it's obvious that they weren't just doing their job. I was just focusing on the claim being made here.

It's sad that so many people who ARE legitimately discriminated against end up getting scoffed at or called liars because there are so many false discrimination claims filed. Hopefully, someday we'll find a way to filter out the false claims better so those who truly are victims of discrimination can be taken care of.

McPro26, you said that

What I will say is that some of the complaints that she has had against her might not have happened if she was not so morbidly obese (lets be honest here she is way over just obese) The bailiff would not have had to change her oxygen or put her shoes on for her.

Perhaps, but there are a number of disabilities that thin people can have that require oxygen or restrict their ability to move enough that they can't bend far enough to put on their own shoes (even if they don't have a gut to get in the way.) So, even there, her size is really irrelevant, because a thin person could have those exact same needs, and while people my not be as "grossed out" at having to help a thin person with their shoes, etc., it's still be wrong to ask or expect them to unless they're a private assistant or nurse hired specifically to do things like that.

nevadamtbear - interesting - thanks for the info on that. It sounds like the "judge" really is quite the mess.

CaterpillarGirl, well, I can't ask you to go against your oath and I'm not going to change my principals, so we may just have to agree to disagree, eh?