Arkansas Supreme Court Rules On Judge Griffen Admonishment
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
The Arkansas Supreme Court today struck down
an admonishment of a state appeals court judge who publicly
criticized the University of Arkansas.
The high court said a judicial-conduct standard on which the
state Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission based the
letter of admonishment to Judge Wendell L. Griffen "intrudes on
legitimate free speech."
Griffen, who is black, made the comments while the university
was in a very public dispute with then-basketball coach Nolan
Richardson, who was dismissed. Richardson has since sued, claiming
he was fired because he is black and outspoken.
The court also said the standard of conduct applied to Griffen
is not specific enough about what might constitute an official
legislative visit.
The rule prohibits a judge from appearing at a public hearing
before an executive or legislative body or office, except on
matters concerning the law.
The state contends Griffen violated the judicial code against
lobbying the Legislature. He urged members of the Arkansas
Legislative Black Caucus to use budgetary purse strings to express
displeasure with what he sees as a lack of progress at UA in
diversifying the faculty and administration.
Griffen argued that the admonishment violated his right to free
speech.
