Judges Not above the law
How Appealing noted an article in the Houston Chronicle about the investigation of Federal judge Samuel Kent. Kent has been indicted for federal sex crimes. The article notes that Kent is not alone; four other federal charges are facing cages including taking cash from lawyers, abuse of power, using an escort service, and posting nude photos on a web site. It is rare for a federal judge to face such charges; it is even rarer to have this many at the same time.
Federal judges are appointed for life. As a result, they have almost unlimited power. On Congress has the power to remove a federal judge. Although its happened, its been a long time since a federal judge was removed by Congress.
Is there a reason for this, or is it just a reflection of society? I don't have the answer, but I have some thoughts. Federal judges have a tremendous amount of power. Such power can corrupt some people. You hope the selection process weeds out those who are susceptible to abusing power, but we know it doesn't always. As a society, and as lawyers, we have to monitor the actions of our judges, and not be afraid to challenge them when they are wrong.
