Flutterby™! : Walter Williams impeachment 2001-07-23 15:36:55+00

Walter Williams impeachment

2001-07-23 15:36:55+00 by Dan Lyke 4 comments

Well it's about bloody time! Chattanoogans probably already know that Judge Walter Williams faces impeachment. Certainly in my stint in 'nooga he caused lots of scorn and mistrust of the government in my social circle. If ever there were someone you'd want to give a "your terms are acceptable" reply to that "over my dead body" attitude...

"Maybe I'll change if I come back in a different life, but I ain't changing in this one. They'll have to carry me out first. They'll have to bring the stretcher in here," the municipal court judge said.

Personally, I like the guy. While he may not be following the guidlines that a "good judge" would follow any infringement I've seen on civil liberties has resulted in a positive change in the life of the infringed. I'm not saying that justifies trampling civil liberties, I'm just having a hard time wishing any ill outcome for Judge Williams from his trial.

One other thing. I've been chewed on by Judge Williams for the sins of my son. My son managed to get a second noise ordinance violation within a three-week period. I felt belittled and my son felt belittled but he has had no further tickets and keeps his stereo in his car turned down while driving through business and residential areas.

Larry, I'm more concerned about the long-term effects. The (relatively privileged white) people I know who stood before him generally have a lower view of the courts and the justice system because of their experience. Short term, yes, he gave a few people who desperately need it a kick in the pants. Long term, however, I see a lot of people who now view the justice system as relatively abritrary, and the police and judges as the enemy.

It's that old problem of "if they're not going to play by the rules, why should we?"

If Judge Williams were a county judge or higher I would agree with you. Perhaps if he were a Nashville or Atlanta city judge I might also agree with you. He isn't. He is a judge for the city of Chattanooga and is limited as to what cases he can try. If arbitrary justice has any place at all it is in the community courts. If Judge Williams was doing such a bad job for the community he would not be re-elected with 68% of the vote.

Besides, he got in trouble because he pissed off a bunch of lawyers that tried cases in front of him. Anyone that pisses of a lawyer with no more reprecussions than he has had from it is alright by me. ;-)

Having spent more than a little time in his court-room, I know he is an egotistical fraudulent little man with some serious mental issues.

He is also a lot of fun to watch, and the one time I had to deal with him myself, I saw enough in the courtroom to see that if I pandered to his ego, I would get off. And did.