Judging the Judges

One of the most frustrating parts of being an informed voter is the lack of information regarding judges. Never having appeared in a courtroom, other than to be sworn in as a BOE member, I haven't had much opportunity to observe judges in action, so when it came time to vote for or retain judges, it's been a tough call. It's very difficult to find legitimate information on which to base a vote.

NewsChannel5's Phil Williams does voters another solid with his recent reports on local judges.

Yesterday it was Judge Gale Robinson. Yes, he is of the Nashville Robinson Funeral Home family which includes among others Muriel and Robb Robinson. The Memphis Ford family (John, Ophelia and the rest) and Nashville's own Robinson political family have found it very convenient to operate funeral parlors and have a second (or is that first) career in politics. Throw in a Garrett or two and ya gotta wonder: what is it about politics and funeral operators? I guess it's the ability to set your own hours.



The money quote:

"My first priority has always and will continue to be always my judicial duties," Robinson said, walking off.

Clearly this is not the case else the Judge wouldn't be moonlighting during the day while mere citizens, who don't dare raise a stink out of fear of retribution, are left to wait for the judge to grant them an audience.



Today it's Judge Gloria Dumas of the Environmental Court.








Her response after admitting that she has a tardiness problem:

"Am I saying that's my big old flaw? Yeah," she added. "If you're looking for perfect, you need to throw me out because I am not perfect."

No. We're not looking for perfect. We are looking for someone who'll actually do the job. If we're already paying her and another attorney to do her work--someone is expendable. Let's remember this come election time.




What I can't figure out is why the rest of the judges enable this activity and don't have a 'come to Jesus' meeting with these who aren't pulling their weight. What's in it for them that they would continue to cover for them?