Case Title: In re First Judicial Cir. (Unknown)

Citation: 

Docket Number: 15-371

State: arkansas

Court: Arkansas Supreme Court

Date: 2015-11-19T00:00:00Z

Document:
SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS
No. 15-371

‘Order Detnered November 19, 2015

IN RE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
CROSS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT

 

ORDER

Pursuant to amendment 66 of the Arkansas Constitution, the Arkansas Judicial
Discipline & Disability Commision filed on November 17, 2015, formal charges against Cross
County District Judge Joseph Boeckman. The Commission alleges, inter alia, that Judge
‘Boeckman has exhibited gender bias in sentencing, has used his judicial status to form
personal and sexual relationships with certain litigants, and has solicited sexual relations from
certain litigants in exchange for reductions or dismissals of court fines and costs. Alljudges are
afforded the rights provided in amendment 66, and this order should not be deemed as a
Judgment about, or determination of, any charges pending before the Arkansis Judicial
Discipline & Disability Commission

‘Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution provides thatthe supreme cour, through
the Chief Justice, shall exercise general superintending control over district courts, which
includes the power to temporarily appoint special judges. See Ark. Const. amend. 80, § 4. If

the Chief Justice determines that “there is... [a] ned fora Special Judge to be temporarily
to serve during the period

 

appointed, a Special Judge may be assigned by the Chief Justice .
of... need,” Ark. Const amend. 80, § 13(C),

To prosectthe integrity ofthe judicial system and to maintain public confidence in the
‘administration of justice, I find it necessary to appoint by separate order, a special judge, or
judges, tothe Cross County District Court, Wynne, Cherry Valley, and Parkin Departments,
to hear all pending cases and any cates led while this order iin effect. The special judge, o
judges, shall have exclusive authority over the Cross County District Court docket from the

ate of this order until further notification.

Hesmd We Brash

Chief justice