Judge Kicked Off Bench for Drunkenness

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - An alcoholic judge was kicked off the bench Tuesday for repeatedly being drunk in the courtroom.

District Judge Monty L. Doggett issued arrest warrants when he was too drunk to read them, was sometimes so intoxicated that court had to be canceled and once had to be carried out of his courtroom by deputies, the Louisiana Supreme Court said in its unanimous ruling Tuesday.

"Although we feel compassion for Judge Doggett's struggle to maintain sobriety, we must, first and foremost, consider the grave implications which this misconduct casts upon the judiciary," the court said.

Doggett was suspended with pay by the high court in 2002 stemming from a complaint. The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana later recommended his removal, and the high court removed him Tuesday.

Doggett claimed that since he was re-elected after his alcoholism was made public, his constituents were aware of his problem and did not care.

But the high court said a judge can be disciplined for violating the code of office, "even if his constituency condones such behavior."

Under the ruling, Doggett cannot run for judge for at least five years, and the Supreme Court must certify him as eligible if he does.

Just what the hell was he smoking?

__________________
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

This is my favorite part......

I went to high school with Monty. He's a year older. I only saw him once since school, I was in court for a traffic violation which I contested. Luck of the draw brought me Monty. He spoke to the DA after hearing my story andthe DA offered me a change from 60 in a 45 (which I did) to a seatbelt violation (I was belted). The diff was between a huge fine and a small fine also no report to insurance. Coooool, I took it.

In school, Monty was a great guy. Looking back on it, I can only describe his even-tempered, good-humor and intelligence as "judicious". One of my friends (and Monty's) told me Monty cracked-up after a divorce (I think that was it) and never regained control of himself. Worse, everybody made excuses for his behavior so he just got drunk earlier in the day and stayed drunk long into the night. He was forced to check into rehab by some judicial review committee (I don't know what the title is) but it didn't work. So he went before the Supremes.

Its really sad. Poor guy got every break but still can't get his $hit together. I predict a late-night, 90 MPH tree in his near future.

B

The don't call it 'The Big Easy' for nutin!

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.