Will County Judge Joseph C. Polito in Illinois has become the latest case of disciplinary action for watching pornography on a work computer. Polito’s use of the courthouse computer was detected on a regular check of the computer system and, to his credit, Polito admitted the misuse. The question has now become the appropriate punishment for two counts under the Illinois judicial code.
There is no indication that child porn was involved and Polito has admitted that “I used pornography as a crutch to deal with my feelings of inadequacy.” He added that “[f]or 60 years this was an inner conflict–I was ashamed, I didn’t feel good about it and tried to stop. The only way I knew to address it was in a confession with a priest.”
Polito admits the first charge of bringing his “judicial office into disrepute” but denies that he failed to conduct himself in a way that “promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.” The latter denial appears based on his view that this was not public and did not affect his decisions.
Polito is seeking professional help for a compulsive sexual disorder and attends a Sexuality Anonymous support group twice a week.
Putting aside that denial, he did admit to the use and has been subject to what he legitimately describes as “a shameful and humbling experience.” Given that, should a reprimand be enough?
This is a violation that routinely occurs in offices around the country, including government offices. There is discussion of termination for Polito but I find that a bit harsh given his admission and treatment. If he is otherwise a judge in good standing and this is just a case of viewing porn online, I would think that a reprimand and conditions like monitoring would be sufficient. What do you think?
Source: NBC
Alan Burdick, Kosinski is a King..err Federal Judge. Unless they commit a felony, they’re untouchable. You know that.
Reminds me of the old story from Army boot camp when the drill instructor (DI) asks, “Ok, how many of you guys [abuse yourselves]?” A few sheepish hands go up and the DI says, Oh, I see.” He then orders the rest of the men to re-run the obstacle course.
When one of the recruits questions the punitive move for the group that professes purity, the gruff ol’ non-com replies, “You know what we call a recruit who doesn’t [abuse himself] around here?”
The recruit replies,”No, First Sergeant, I don’t.”
“Well, son we call him a liar. Now get running.”
nick, I get it that men “get it”. I also get it that women don’t. We see a different kind of porn in state legislatures all over the country. Men in the superior power position with women doing their bidding.
“Remove him from the Bench not for watching porn but for being dumb enough to do it on his work computer.” – Blouise
Interesting that neither the article nor any commenter so far has pointed out that Alex Kosinski, Chief Judge of the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (at least until recently), reportedly watches porn at his office computer, and has told anyone who complains about it to go pound sand.
Of course, other federal judges do far worse. Such as Clarence Thomas and his financial reports.
“As we noted when we last spoke about this fellow: “Ewww.” No wonder the Sun-Times nicknamed this guy “Judge Lewdy.” On the bright side, at least Polito wasn’t accused of stroking his gavel while on the bench.” Above the Law
Blouise, I was looking at “Above the Law” at something on legal employment and saw the story. They made it more humorous.
Poor Tex … I was asking him about some of the material on this thread and he stopped, looked at me, and said, “What in the hell are you reading?!”
“The blog,” I replied.
“Oh for Christ’s sake!” and he went back to his book.
Sorry Fonda, but it was a quote from “above the Law”. I meant the yuck not for large people but for the humiliation to his family.
Lets be honest…other than the fool should not have been doing that on a work computer…we Amercians are insane when the subject of sex comes up..it’s no wonder the Europeans laugh at us and our attitudes…..
Fonda Mantle,
I hate to bust ur bubble but Chubby Chaser is not an offensive term in many ciricles…It means and I already think you know this answer but what the hell. it means men and women who not only like larger persons but seek them out religiously…
Dredd, It probably is, and I bet the oral arguments are a bit different..and there are NO objections.
Swarthmore mom.
That is the best two liner I have read in a long time…thanks for the belly laugh.
Are we now disparaging large women? That is offensive to me. As a large person I find your comments humiliating and degrading. Please tell me why it is fine for you to say “chubby chaser” yuck! That is mean. You obviously need help.
SWM, There was a funny Cheers episode about “chubby chasers” only the other way. Paul had a beautiful woman he was dating. Sam tried hitting on her and got shot down. She then asked Sam if Norm was married. Sam was confused and Paul just said in his casual voice, “She’s a chubby chaser.”
“Judge Faces Discipline After Viewing Porn In Courthouse”
So is “Porn In Courthouse” a porn movie?
nick, I am not outraged at all. It is too stupid and pitiful. I now know all I care to know about “chubby chasers” and the websites they visit.
I think it’s a little endearing he’s a “chubby chaser.”
SWM, I respect your outrage, I really do. I agree it is yucky. I agree it’s tough on his family. Would it be better if he had an affair or paid for hookers? Men love porn. It’s a billion dollar industry. We can be pigs..GUILTY! I’ll say it again, women don’t get porn and I accept that totally.
The judge appears to be in at least his late 60s; his wife is probably bragging about her husband’s libido!
nick, I think it is stupid and humiliating for his wife and children. Your dad gets busted for looking at “chubby lady porn”. at the courthouse. Yuck