Fifth Circuit Takes New Orleans Judge Thomas Porteous to Task

The Wall Street Journal Law Blog ^ | September 12, 2008 | Nathan Koppel

[RightWingConspirator]

For the foreseeable future, New Orleans federal judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr. will have a much lighter load. The Judicial Council of the Fifth Circuit issued a reprimand on Wednesday suspending the judge for two years for alleged infractions, including failing to report gifts from lawyers who appeared before him and concealing debts while in personal bankruptcy. The judge may next have to face impeachment proceedings in Congress.

Lewis Unglesby, counsel to Porteous, a 62-year-old Clinton appointee, says the suspension is unwarranted. “I don’t think you’ll find a single person who says judge Porteous wasn’t fair in any single case he tried,” he says.

[RightWingConspirator]

Unfortunately we have seen far too many of these corrupt, legislating-from-the-bench judges that Slick Willie appointed. Obviously the Republicans weren't in control of the Senate when this jackass was confirmed, but it is certain that they didn't exercise any oversight over his appointments.

[CarryingOn]

I think that's what the American people look for in a Federal Judge - dishonesty. He better understands the liars and cheats that appear in his court. As Obama says about what he would look for in a Supreme Court Judge - empathy.