Judicial Accountability Alert – Arkansas Supreme Court - This one out of Arkansas is a disconcerting one
A newly released HR report says Chief Justice Karen Baker harassed staff just days before she was sworn in as Arkansas’ first elected female chief justice.
Key findings from the Administrative Office of the Courts:
• Intimidated employees & searched an administrator’s office without permission
• Targeted female employees of color and staff seen as cooperating with a disciplinary probe
• Suggested retaliation over how employees “voted” or cooperated with investigators
• Prompted a rare order keeping her away from certain offices
Five justices blocked her early moves to fire 10 staff and reshape the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission. Baker’s lawyer is now seeking the recusal of Justice Rhonda Wood, citing bias.
The Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission meets Friday to review the matter.
Should state courts face stricter oversight when misconduct is alleged at the very top?
Disclaimer:
The following post summarizes information reported by credible news outlets and public court records about ongoing allegations involving members of the Arkansas judiciary. These matters remain under review, and no final findings or judgments have been issued unless otherwise stated in official court orders. All persons named are presumed innocent of any wrongdoing until proven otherwise in a court of law. This post is for public awareness and discussion only and does not offer legal advice or assert guilt.
