Minnesota Judge Stands Up to Advocacy Group During Criminal Sentencing
A judge is now facing allegations of misconduct after making his displeasure of an advocacy group known in the middle of a sentencing hearing. Judge Jack Nordby is reportedly on record calling out the WATCH group’s volunteers, saying their mere presence is intimidating and distracting. He now faces an investigation by the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards.
WATCH is an advocacy group that works specifically in cases like those involving domestic violence, crimes against children, police brutality, and racial disparities. They simply send a volunteer to the court proceedings where they observe with red clipboard in hand. These clipboards are apparently part of Judge Nordby’s disdain.
According to the Star-Tribune, it’s the exchange that took place last December during the sentencing of a convicted child molester that initiated the complaint. The judge admits to having called out the WATCH volunteer, stating their red clipboards and mere presence are an intimidation not only to the judge on the bench but also to witnesses.
His attorney has commented stating Nordby doesn’t back down from his statements and has “the cajones” to stand up against WATCH. Nordby is 69 and has been serving on the bench in Hennepin County for 16 years. His upcoming retirement in less than a year may have a role in his “cajones”.
The intentions of a group like WATCH are noble. But when advocacy crosses into judicial intimidation, there is a problem. A judge is ideally placed on the bench for their unbiased and sound decisions. But by intimidating or pressuring them to fit a certain agenda, you risk the creation of activist judges—and pushing agendas is not the job of the judiciary.
What’s at issue in this case is whether the judge violated any rules or canons of judicial conduct. The WATCH organization says it’s within Nordby’s rights to complain about them all day long if he wants, in his personal life. But by airing his disdain on the bench, he has crossed a line.
When you are facing criminal charges, the last thing you want is a judge who has something other than true justice on his or her mind. Being tough on crime, throwing the book at drunk drivers, or pursuing activist-type agendas can be detrimental when done from behind the bench. Luckily, as a whole, Minnesota judges are just in their decisions and rulings.
This is just one of the reasons, however, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side that is willing to go to bat for your rights and your case. If you’re facing charges, contact us today for a free consultation.