Judges in Texas recently have found themselves defendants in a slew of criminal, tort, and disciplinary cases, here, here, here, here, here and here. You can now add El Paso Judge Manuel J. Barraza, 53, who is accused of taking money and asking for sex from defendants.
The judge faces four counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud and lying to a federal agent. To make matters worse, an undercover FBI agent is prepared to give evidence of how the judge allegedly asked for bribes to help him in felony cases.
Before becoming a judge, Barraza defended such notable cases as “Night Stalker,” Richard Ramirez. Upon his arrest, he claimed innocence while expressing regret for the embarrassment of his family.
For the full story, click here.
AY,
I like your thinking. Let’s de-annex Texas from the Union.
Hey now, Texas was the only state annexed, ok. And it was not by the consent of the people in Tejas at the time. It was something to do with helping Tejas win some war. Whatever that was.
So, maybe it can be deannexed, I think thats a word…
rcampbell,
You may be right that Texans are saving real justice for big important issues so they don’t use up the justice for when they really need it. However, my guess is that Texas is still a lawless place that does not believe in real justice. Has a state of the Union ever been asked to leave the Union? Maybe it is time for the first one to leave. Bye, Bye Texas.
mespo727272
1, April 6, 2009 at 6:55 am
….Texas where patriotism and respect for the law are mere words.
Perhaps you’re looking at this the wrong way, Mespo. Another way is that Texans have such great love and respect for the rule of law, justice and truth that they save them for special occasions so they don’t get used up too fast.
Oh My, Just wait til you read about the case that was settled by Ford Motor Company. He was given a note from a Juror. Ford got sheep nervous and settled the case for 3 million. Well not all was lost. Ford inquired of the Jury after the case had settled and found out that they had indeed found for Ford. The Juror ask a simple inquiring question because another juror wanted to know what the limits were in Texas.
Now this case is before the Texas Supreme Court, yes it is. Even after Ford settled. The Question is presented as follows: How much influence does a Judge have over a Jury when the submit a question.
I can see the implications for all types of settlement cases. Humm, Not Chicago style Justice in the TX Sct, but close. Now if they were an Oil Company, not to worry. They would win. Hands down.
Welll generally when you are paying someone off, kinda of likke a drug deal. You keep your hand covered or put those things in nice little envelopes or brief cases. It depends on how much it will take to influnce your particular jurist.
Now Keller, she is of a different breed. she does not need your money to do the wrong thing.
This instant Judge is foolish. He should have become a legislator. Part time work every 2 years. Pay is nominal. Per Diem not to bad. But the retirement is tied to the Judiciary. So much for separation of powers. In Texas, it is not hard for one to be all three. Just imagine. I do not make this up.
Why would anyone submit to the jurisdiction of Texas at this point? Why SHOULD anyone submit to the jurisdiction of Texas at this point?
I wouldn’t.
I won’t.
I say let Chuck Norris have ’em all and we let Texas go. They’ll be at war with Mexico in three weeks if we do. Then they’ll be happy to have someone to kill for Jesus, teach garbage while calling it science, AND be able to abuse process all they like without pesky things like jurisprudence getting in the way. It’s not as if they follow our laws, the Constitution, or anything important to being civilized as it stands right now. The short term loss to the nation would be minimal, but the long term gain should be substantial.
Learn by doing. I find it refreshing that Texas judges want to commune with the “little” people and get a slice of some of their lives. Reminds me of the college dean who spent a year of his life doing menial jobs like washing dishes,and then wrote a book about the experience. Judge Barraza will get similar time for contemplative work. Ah, Texas where patriotism and respect for the law are mere words.