“The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals experienced a tumultuous year with justices being charged with unnecessary and lavish spending of taxpayer dollars, followed by the Legislature calling for impeachment of all five justices,”said ATRA President Tiger Joyce.
Though they might ordinarily affirm the maxim that justice delayed is justice denied, our three convicted, suspended, and/or retired state Supreme Court justices seem none too eager to have justice applied to them. Perhaps they’re in no hurry and don’t mind waiting.
It’s safe to assume that the members of our House of Delegates were taught a simple lesson numerous times while growing up: If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
The convicted and suspended Supreme Court Justice apparently does not share the governor’s concern that our state’s reputation is being tarnished by the continuing drama.
“If we do not stop the infighting, work together, and follow the rules ... we will destroy ourselves.”
Thanks, in part, to Sen. Joe Manchin, Brett Kavanaugh is now a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Forty-nine other senators voted to confirm, but Manchin was the only Democrat. Still, if Manchin had voted no, Vice President Mike Pence could have broken the tie.
“Candy-coated popcorn, peanuts, and a prize – that’s what you get in Cracker Jack!” Kids today may not be familiar with that sing-song slogan, but Baby Boomers remember it well, even if they haven’t eaten any in years for fear of breaking teeth or dentures.
“On August 13, 2018, the West Virginia House of Delegates broke the law,” charges one of five state Supreme Court justices whose egregious misbehavior prompted the alleged law-breaking by the delegates. “On that day, the House adopted numerous Articles of Impeachment setting the petitioner to stand trial before the West Virginia Senate.”
Roughly 200,000 plaintiffs will split $73 million in compensation for damages from the 2014 Elk River chemical spill. Roughly 20 law firms will split nearly a third as much in attorneys’ fees.
We know how District Attorney Hamilton Burger of the Perry Mason TV show would react to self-serving but non-exculpatory statements like these. “Incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial,” he’d say, and the judge would agree: “Objection sustained.”
Summer break’s over, and it’s back-to-school time. How better to celebrate than with a pop quiz?
Anybody else out there looking to be a state Supreme Court justice? Now’s your chance. You could hardly do worse than the incumbents.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Justice Allen Loughry is not the only one under scrutiny during the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment proceedings. Justice Robin Davis’ “questionable behavior” has prompted one legal reformer to recommend additional lines of inquiry.
More than $40,000 spent on “working lunches” during a five-year period. More than $100,000 spent framing photographs and artwork. More than $1.5 million spent renovating justices’ chambers, one third of which went to Robin Davis’ office alone.
Morrisey applauds EPA plan for new coal-fired power plants
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