On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Arkansas Times reported that Circuit Judge Stephen Shirron, the chief administrative judge of Arkansas’ 7th Judicial Circuit, ordered a framed copy of a judicial discipline press release to be displayed directly below the portrait of former Circuit Judge Chris Williams in the Hot Spring County courtroom. The order takes issue with the portrait, which was hung on October 16, 2025, in the courtroom where Williams previously presided.
Judge Shirron, who is responsible for managing caseloads and courtroom assignments for judges in Hot Spring and Grant counties, characterized the portrait as a “celebration of corruption.” His administrative order aims to provide what he considers essential historical context to the display.
Chris Williams resigned from his position as Circuit Judge on March 30, 2024, amidst an investigation by the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission (JDDC) concerning multiple allegations of judicial rule violations. According to a JDDC press release issued at the time of Williams’ resignation, the resignation effectively terminated the JDDC’s investigations into his conduct. The specific nature of the alleged violations was not made public due to his resignation. The press release also stated that Williams agreed to no longer be eligible for election, appointment, or any other service within the state’s judiciary as part of his resignation agreement.
Judge Shirron emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation, stating, “This is the first time in history that a judge in Hot Spring County has been removed from office for judicial misconduct.” He further noted the negative impact this event had on the judiciary and the local bar, expressing his hope that the community had moved beyond this “dark chapter.”
According to Judge Shirron, Williams commissioned and paid for the portrait himself, a move that Shirron found objectionable. He stated that the local bar associations traditionally fund portraits of retiring judges to honor their service. Shirron learned of the portrait on October 13, 2025, and discovered that the Hot Spring County Bar Association had no involvement in the portrait or its unveiling. He also pointed out that the unveiling was scheduled during the Judicial Council Meeting in Jonesboro, when district judges would be out of town, describing the event as a “quietly orchestrated secret ceremony” that deviated from historical practice.
In his order, Judge Shirron underscored the importance of ethical standards for judges and lawyers, stating that accountability is crucial for maintaining public trust in the justice system. He asserted that allowing a “celebration of corruption” in the courtroom would be unacceptable, given the obligation of circuit judges to exercise control over their courtrooms.
Rather than ordering the removal of the portrait, Judge Shirron decided to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Williams’ departure from the bench would be known to anyone viewing the portrait. His order mandates that the framed copy of the JDDC press release be displayed directly below the portrait of Chris Williams during all court proceedings.
Source: Arkansas Times
