On Friday, March 1, 2024, KPLC reported that the Louisiana Supreme Court publicly censured and fined newly-elected Third Circuit Court Judge Guy Bradberry for misconduct in various cases, though the judge will not face the 30-day suspension he had originally agreed to.
The censure stems from Bradberry’s actions in a 2015 incident where he had local attorney Christian Chesson jailed for contempt of court. The Supreme Court rejected the suspension that Bradberry and the Judiciary Commission, a body that considers disciplinary actions for judges, had agreed upon in a 4-3 ruling issued on February 24.
Instead of suspension, the high court decided Bradberry should face public censure and pay a $1,500 fine. Chief Justice John Weimer and Justice Jay McCallum dissented, arguing the censure was too lenient a punishment. In his dissent, Weimer expressed concern that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent for judicial accountability.
Prior to his election, KPLC had reported accusations that Bradberry improperly met privately with a man involved in a divorce case before Bradberry’s court. At the time, Bradberry denied any misconduct. The Judiciary Commission documents also referenced another unspecified case involving Bradberry.
The Supreme Court decision provided further details of Bradberry’s wrongdoings, stating he acknowledged misconduct in multiple instances. As an experienced judge, the court said Bradberry should have understood his actions violated judicial conduct rules. Weimer and McCallum pointed out that Bradberry had initially agreed the 30-day suspension was an appropriate consequence.
Bradberry narrowly won election to the Court of Appeal seat in November 2022, defeating opponent Clayton Davis. However, his misconduct revelations and the Supreme Court’s public censure continue to shadow the start of his new role on the bench.
Source: KPLC
