Interim Suspension Of Judge

The Mississippi Supreme Court has ordered the interim suspension of a judge

This matter is before the Court on the Petition for Interim Suspension of Justice Court Judge Wendell Williams, filed by the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance. The Commission has filed a formal complaint, Nos. 2019-008 and 2019-009, in which it alleges that Judge Williams pushed a deputy justice court clerk and slapped her hand. It also alleges Judge Williams has been impatient, rude, and threatening toward litigants, witnesses, attorneys, and court staff.

Under Section 177A of the Mississippi Constitution, the Commission charges Judge Williams with “(b) willful misconduct in office; . . . [and] (e) conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the judicial office into disrepute.” Miss. Const. art. 6, § 177A. The Commission further alleges that Judge Williams violated Canons 1, 2A, and 3B of the Code of Judicial Conduct. In this petition, the Commission requests that Judge Williams be suspended from his duties as justice court judge while the proceeding on the formal complaint is pending.

After due consideration, the Court finds that the Petition should be granted and that Judge Williams should be temporarily suspended from his duties as justice court judge for District One, Jefferson County, Mississippi. Judge Williams is suspended, with pay, pending resolution of the formal complaint filed by the Commission.

(Mike Frisch)