Kentucky judge suspended for using position to influence cases, other improper conduct
A circuit judge in Kentucky has been suspended for two weeks without pay after the state’s judicial conduct commission found she violated several codes of conduct, including using her position to influence cases.
According to the order of suspension, Judy Vance Murphy, the judge presiding over the state’s 29th Judicial Circuit, in Casey and Adair counties, “inappropriately” discussed ongoing cases with people not involved in the cases between 2017 and 2021, threatening the “independence, integrity and impartiality” of her judgeship.
In September 2023, according to the order, Murphy also used her influence as a judge to handle a personal matter involving her daughter’s boyfriend and his mother.
And Murphy was cited for using her personal phone while on the judge’s bench, resulting in complaints that she was inattentive to proceedings in her court.
In all, Murphy is accused of violating four different rules of the judicial code of conduct. She admitted the allegations were true, and waived further hearings.
Murphy’s lawyer, Janet Stumbo, said Tuesday she had no further comment about the suspension.
“The opinion issued by the judicial conduct commission speaks for itself,” she said. “We make no other comments other than what is in there.”
Along with her unpaid suspension, Murphy is not allowed to enter her judicial office at the Casey County Judicial Center, or any offices at other locations. Her suspension began Monday, according to the order, and will last until Nov. 25.
In one of the code of conduct violations, Murphy admitted that she had asked a suspended attorney to sign an affidavit stating that Murphy was not “vindictive.”
Murphy must now recuse herself from all proceedings involving the unnamed, suspended attorney. She can not preside over, issue rulings, or participate in any capacity in matters with the attorney.
Murphy was sworn in as circuit judge in January 2023.
The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge.
This story was originally published November 12, 2024 at 11:28 AM.
