Want to read something guaranteed to curl hair? It was the front page of the May 27 Kennebec Journal, “Maine lawmakers want to examine how judges are disciplined. Judicial branch says it’s not their call.” The Maine Supreme Judicial Court argued it is superior enough, extraordinary enough, ultimate enough and very great or greatest to create a plan to discipline errant judges on our highest court.

Standing in the way of Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill’s overreaching assertion that Supreme Court powers include judicial discipline is the fact that they are not specifically mentioned. Stanfill assumed the fact. We must not let her get away with the position that our Supreme Court handles judges the way they process any individuals.

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is not a fact-finding jurisdiction. So, how is it to discipline judges? Only cases decided by lower courts come before the Supreme Court. Neither does it process cases existing in its jurisdiction. The issue here requires legislative study, akin to the positive position voiced by Rep. Adam Lee, D-Auburn, in the article. Instead, delay has set in. Attorney Thomas Cox has this opinion, expressed to the Judiciary Committee: “It looks like this matter is being swept under the rug.”

It’s all about hair curls, brooms and rugs. Shame! As headed, this one will hurt.

John Benoit
Manchester