James T. Jameson v. Judicial Conduct Commission

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed the Judicial Conduct Commission's findings of misconduct on Counts I, II, III, and VII, but reversed the Commission's findings on Counts IV, V, and VI and held that the Commission lacks authority to permanently remove a judge. The Court also held that the Commission lacked jurisdiction to sanction the judge for alleged abuse of contempt powers and that the inclusion of lay persons on the Commission does not violate due process.