Judge Let Clerk Wear Robes, Rule In Cases

Illinois Circuit Judge Valarie Turner has been suspended and accused of allowing a court clerk to wear her robes and preside over two cases. The clerk, Rhonda Crawford, is a lawyer and judicial candidate running for an uncontested bench seat this fall. The cases she oversaw involved minor traffic tickets, and now will be reheard. Turner was first elected to the bench in 2002, and Crawford worked for her since 2011. “The incident shocked judicial ethics experts, who said it would be such an ethical lapse – and possibly a violation of the law for the impersonation of a judge – they were surprised any judge would allow it and any lawyer would actually take the bench,” the Chicago Tribune reports. “[T]he incident raised questions about the judgment of any lawyers who took part in the cases knowing that Crawford is not a judge, as well as the conduct of any clerks, courtroom deputies or other county employees who regularly work with Turner in her courtroom.”