Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin was suspended with pay from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for sending and receiving e-mails that mocked blacks, Asians, and battered women.
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, a 3 judge panel of the Court of Judicial Discipline in Easton, Pennsylvania decided Tuesday to place Justice Eakin on interim suspension with pay and benefits, until he gets a formal hearing next year.
They also scheduled the next court appearance for him in January, 2016.
Let me be the first to say “who in the heck am I to be commenting on a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice being suspended?”
Second, I know nothing about the allegations and facts of this case. I do know that the Justice has an exemplary record and has given extraordinary service to the people of Pennsylvania throughout his entire career including since he assumed the bench of the highest court in Pennsylvania.
The main point I want to emphasize in this blog, as the year draws down, is that we as a nation are ruled by laws and not men.
Even a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice is accountable over allegations that are made in a case.
Just think about that in the context of the rule of law or lack thereof in other countries.
In other countries, especially under-developed ones, it would be unheard of that a Supreme Court Justice would be accountable for allegations whether there is any truth to them or not.
Pittsburgh Wrongful Death, Car Accident and Medical Malpractice
Attorney Bernie Tully thinks this headline illustrates how lucky we are to live in a society where everyone is accountable for their actions.
In other words, no one is immune.
Pittsburgh Wrongful Death, Car Accident and Medical Malpractice Attorney Bernie Tully also believes that this is the best way to keep our society free and open.
Only by being a Country of laws and not of men, can democracy really flourish.
It might be incredible for some people to believe, but the legal profession is one of the most well regulated of all professions in America.
Attorneys are strictly accountable for their actions by the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board. Likewise in America even judges are accountable for their actions.
The incredible thing about all this is that the legal profession is entirely self-regulated.
That is something to think about the next time you hear someone running down the legal profession.
That’s all for now.
I hope you are done with your Christmas shopping and can enjoy the next couple of days.
Happy Holidays.
Your friend, Bernie the Attorney.