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Senate Opens Impeachment Hearings on La. Judge

Chamber's first since Bill Clinton's in 1999

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2010 9:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Senate will open today an impeachment trial against a Louisiana judge facing a slew of corruption charges, Fox News reports. The House already voted unanimously to impeach US District Judge G. Thomas Porteous, accused of lying under oath and taking payoffs. A Senate impeachment panel will hold three all-day hearings over the next two weeks.

This marks the Senate’s first impeachment trial since the 1999 case against Bill Clinton, and if convicted, Porteous would become just the eighth federal judge in history to be impeached by Congress. Porteous, who allegedly accepted cash and trips from lawyers, has said little so far, apparently waiting for the Senate trial before mounting a defense.

Congress members are seated on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, during the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee hearing for Judge G. Thomas Porteous.
Congress members are seated on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, during the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee hearing for Judge G. Thomas Porteous.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Senate on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010,  opens its first impeachment trial since the 1999 case against Bill Clinton when it takes up a host of corruption allegations against a Louisiana judge.
The Senate on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, opens its first impeachment trial since the 1999 case against Bill Clinton when it takes up a host of corruption allegations against a Louisiana judge.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)
New Orleans-based District Judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr., center, listens to testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, during the meeting considering his impeachment.
New Orleans-based District Judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr., center, listens to testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, during the meeting considering his impeachment.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Barbara Ann Jackson
Sep 23, 2010 6:13 PM CDT
Judge Thomas Porteous and the Judicial 'Devil's Den" from Whence He Came
http://newsblaze.com/story/201...

"There is massive, inherent legal corruption in the judicial system, taking place in Louisiana, in what I call the "Devil's Den."

". . .even after exposure of irrefutable facts and truths at Porteous' impeachment trial, scandalous behavior will continue because Porteous is not the only problem --just the most conspicuous culprit. . ."

". . .the courts of Louisiana serve the purpose of unfair enrichment, at the disadvantage of some people; and for certain politically-connected people, the courts serve as an avenue to 'the good life'. Additionally, anyone who hinders Louisiana 'good life' pursuits becomes subjected to the vilest treatment by jurists who disguise themselves as upholders and enforcers of laws." *read entire article @ http://newsblaze.com/story/201...

Barbara Ann Jackson
Sep 13, 2010 9:57 PM CDT
Chief Judge Edith Jones’ personal reasons for taking down Thomas Porteous should boomerang! Nothing is being done about the other judges nor the various lawyers who give judges perks and 'gifts'. These judges NEED glaring spotlights shined on them too! It is unbelievable how Louisianians misapprehend that Senator David Vitter has a WHOLE LOT to say concerning JUDGES SITUATED ON FEDERAL BENCHES. Tainted judges and lawyers is one of the main reasons why, for this upcoming election it is time to replace Vitter –who even held up judicial and U.S. attorney appointments in Baton Rouge until his political choices were granted; and is behind appointment of JUDGE KURT ENGELHARDT, who should be seated next to Judge Porteous answering impeachment questions. It would be wonderful for States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas (all under the Federal 5th 'CIRCUS' –with Jones at the helm), if this trial exposes and remedies a lot of other “Wrinkled” judicial robes –especially those which are the root of nearly every entrenched Louisiana problem, INCLUDING the wrong message being sent to thugs on the street because ELITE thugs in the legal profession flaunt their wrongdoings, but receive no meaningful punishment. Jones' bizarre and malignant actions in pursuing one man (see: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202424509132), speaks volumes. Not even the judges who provided their 49-page dissent mattered to her, as even some of them probably imagined the spotlight SHOULD come upon them.
AtlanticCapers
Sep 13, 2010 10:21 AM CDT
Meanwhile, Dick Cheney and George W. Bush are still eligible to hold office.
 

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