Opinion ID: 1656572
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Is it a Qualification or Disqualification Statute?

Text: ¶ 29. There is no claim here that, when he took office, Judge Osborne was not qualified. Therefore, his qualifications do not seem to be in issue. However, the statute seems to provide that, for its violation, the judge became unqualified. Article 6, Section 165 of our Constitution provides for disqualification of judges. There are no provisions found therein, or anywhere else, which confer upon the legislature the power to add to the Constitutional provision any matters which would serve to disqualify a judge. ¶ 30. There are no other categories. Upon careful reflection, I can reach no other conclusion but that the statute addresses matters which are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. For this reason, I respectfully concur in part, and in the result of the majority opinion. WALLER AND COBB, P.JJ., JOIN THIS OPINION. EASLEY AND RANDOLPH, JJ., JOIN IN PART.