Judge of the Day: John Plough
We alluded to this briefly last week (item #3). But since a number of you have emailed us about it, let’s take a second look.
Judge John Plough, of Portage County, Ohio, is our hands-down Judge of the Day. From the Law & Justice Unit of ABC News:
Portage County Judge John Plough had assistant public defender Brian Jones arrested for contempt of court last week after Jones refused to begin a misdemeanor assault trial because he said he was unprepared. Jones was assigned to the case one day earlier….Plough’s ruling prompted an outcry from defense lawyers, both in Ohio and across the country. Carmen Hernandez, president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said in a statement that defense lawyers have an ethical obligation not to start trial if they are not prepared.
“Asking a lawyer to go to trial without preparation is like asking a doctor to perform surgery before diagnosing the patient,” she said.
Well, look on the bright side. At least the defendant’s speedy trial right is being vindicated!
Judge Has Unprepared Lawyer Arrested [ABC News]
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FIRST
This judge should be shot. What kind of power trip is he on?
Wait... are there really public defenders that prepare for trial????
Congratulations, Ohio, for demonstrating the enlightened results of judicial elections. I'm sure Judge Plough will brag about his no-nonsense tough-on-crime approach next time around.
At first I was excited that a judge finally kicked some ass, and then I saw that he picked on the worst possible person to pick on. This is ridiculous and he indeed should removed.
Sounds like an easy appeal in the event of an adverse ruling, no?
I bet you any money this judge is elected....some "tough on crime" asshole probably up for re-election.
Boston University Law produced this one.
This might provide a disincentive to become a public defender. I guess the high pay and great feeling you get from defending perverts all day will compensate, but the specter of contempt might deter some.
This judge is a dickwad.
I pray for people like this to meet with a divine retribution that is both swift and firm --- and preferably delivered by a hairy bear named Ronny who favors a green tutu and yellow pumps.
what a jackass
elected judges = assholes and fools.
Portage judge's computer used to look at sports, betting sites
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/portage/1182675090106490.xml&coll=2
Sorry, no points for guessing WHICH judge!
as someone from portage county, ohio, he is a bad evil man making people's lives hell. :( stupid voters.
It doesnt suprsie me. I vented in my article "Another Look at the Justice System."
http://hi-caliber.blogspot.com/2006/04/justice.html
This judge put a warrent out for my arrest. He had me arrested because he and the courts made a MISTAKE at my expense!!!! I was arrested wearing nothing but my unzipped robe, by 4 male police officers. I was starting my monthly, getting ready to take a bath. My appartment was surrounded by them and they were getting ready to KICK MY DOOR IN. I came out after trying to call the courts to find out what the problem was. I was not wearing any clothes and any shoes. I was Crying because no one would listen to me telling them that there was a mistake. I had done everything I could have done to make sure nothing like this would ever happen. NO POLICE LISTENED. They took me to jail anyway. Instead of helping me they added additional charges for "interferring with offical duty". I had to pay to get out of jail and now face more problem when all anyone had to do is drop everything having to do with the warrant. The warrent was unjust and without cause and the Judge to this day know it but refuse to drop the Obstrustion of Justice charge and admit his mistake. He rather have me pay for it both mentally and with money I don't have. I cry everytime I think about what has happen to me. NO ONE WOULD HAVE WANTED THEIR MOTHER TREATED THE WAY THE POLICE AND THE COURTS TREATED ME!!!! I even ask the police if I could put my clothes on and I was told NO. I was immediately handcuff and taken away to jail. This was not even on a felony warrent!!! Plus I'm being denie access to my case file and given only copies of what they want me to have. THIS IS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!! I feel like this is a nightmere and I will never ever wake-up from. BUT IT IS SO, SO SERIOUS.
Time to put the Plough to Pasture.
Had a case with this judge a few months ago. Was a stop sign violation (I did stop- officer said I didn't).
Basically the prosecutor said she wanted to dismiss the case due to the weak evidence (cop over a hundred yards away) but the judge wouldn't let her. My attorney told me this judge just does whatever the hell he wants and even the prosecutors are pissed off at him cuz they can't even plea bargain minor traffic cases when there are defects in the case.
Defendents are browbeaten when they've made first time mistakes (disorderly conduct, et cet) and he treats people like shit. Apparently he used to be a drunk so he treats people that were intoxicated at the time of their offense like absolute dirt- a holier than though approach, like an ex smoker re: other smokers.
Plough is a bum. I can't believe I voted for him and bought his campaign promises... what an ass (me and him)