Litigation

Texas Judge Responds to Impeachment Charges

By Lissette Villarruel

A Texas judge has responded to charges she violated her judicial duties by refusing to keep her office open after business hours for a late execution appeal.

According to an article in the Austin American-Statesman, Sharon Keller (right), presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, denied the charges being considered by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, offering a list of facts that were not considered by the commission.

Keller argued she was never aware defense attorneys had computer problems as they attempted to file a late appeal.  She concedes she had stated the county clerk?s office could not remain open after 5 p.m., but adds that she ?never intend[ed] to shut Richard?s lawyers out of the court.?

The full text of Keller?s response can be found here.

Full post as published by The Gavel on March 26, 2009 (boomark / email).