Judge Denies Tardiness, Accuses Prosecutor Of Misconduct

A Tennessee general sessions court judge has filed an answer to charges of misconduct that deny that she was persistently late for court and explaining that late starts were the result, among other things, of her practice of providing time for parties to discuss matters before taking the bench. She admits that she hired her daughter but denies that the daughter was unqualified or overpaid for the court position. She denies improperly appointing special judges and asserts that her practices in that regard are common among judges who have not been charged with misconduct.

The answer also goes on the offensive, accusing the disciplinary counsel of selective prosecution, conspiracy to obtain confidential information and threatening witnesses.

Tennesssean.com has this report. (Mike Frisch)