"More Bad Judges"

Jack Newfield of The Nation has a piece about the Bush administration's latest crop of federal judicial nominees. Needless to say, he does not approve, concluding:

Bush is trying to transform America through lifetime judicial appointments for this biased batch and their clones. The bottom line is that the reckless Bushies are willing to violate computer privacy and vandalize the Bill of Rights to expedite this transformation. George W. Bush was appointed President by the Supreme Court after losing the popular vote by more than 500,000. Now he is trying to use the courts to legislate a mandate the voters never gave him by abusing the power of appointment and ignoring the Constitution's "advise and consent" clause.

You can read the whole thing here. (via How Appealing)

Comments

[anonymous]

It's not weller's job to stop what happened - it's his job to try to provide stability for people who refuse to take control of their own emotions and would rather try to control others.

[Sick of the System]

It may not be the judges job to stop what happened, and I do not agree with how Darren handled it...of all the people who have posted on here, how many of you have had your life turned upside down by one of the Washoe family court judges?How many of you had the pleasure of sitting in front of the drunk, while he made life altering decisions about your family?I have lived the nightmare with Reno's fine court system for over 7 years and have several more to go.Before anyone start making judgments,I was told to leave for years so I walked away from a bad situation and all I asked for in return was visitation with my children, and the right to continue with MY buisness.I offered more per child than the ex is entitled to now.I walked away with my cloths and a few personal items, but the judge awarded the ex with everything else... including the tools I used to earn my living.The ex lied with every breath, nobody cared to look at the evidence I had proving this... my own attorney was best friends with the ex's...the drunk could not keep anything straight.I did not abandon my family...I was told to leave. I pay my support and everything else ordered by the courts and then some.No matter how much the ex gets from me it is never enough. I know I am going to take hits for posting here... but it is time people get an inside look into what actually takes place in the courts there.They allowed the drunk to sit the bench for at least 20 years, 7 of that drunk that I know of... including AFTER his arrest {after rehab} as long as he blew clean each morning {RGJ archives} can you image how may incorrect decissions he made?Nobody is willing to right the wrong. Some say appeal, why the drunk didn't resign... they just moved him upstairs.I don't need him making any more decisions in my life.Don't get me started on the court process, has anyone taken a look at all the laws on the books in Nevada? I have researched several hundred of Nevada's laws that would help my case, only to be told... judges don't like to rehear cases already decided.The ex is in contempt everyway you can think, fraud is a second nature, and perjury with every sentance. But nobody cares.I have a new motto for a bumpersticker "Come to Reno, Where the Laws apply ONLY to the Other Guy"

[Sick of the System]

Oh two things I forgot to touch on...#1 to wannabe if you come back to read this,I was never married to my ex, and it didn't matter.I honestly feel like a divorce would have entitled me to a fair and equal split.#2 for all that respond with "if they parties could act like adults', there would be no need for a judge to decide our lives... first both parties need to be rational and come to an agreement where the children are concerned.When only one party is rational and the other is out for revenge, how do you suggest to WORK it OUT, before a stranger makes the choices?As I stated before I never asked for anything more than a right to see my children and the tools I needed to earn a paycheck {which by the way were mine prior to the ex}.I walked away from a home, vehicals and alot of other possessions... absolutley broke and the ex was allowed to keep my means of earning a living, while demanding I pay support.The drunk wouldn't look at his own judgments giving the ex everything... but manage to tell me he would imput more income to me so I could give the ex more. Huh, lets think long and hard how does this work?I am nowhere near the financial arena of Darren, but I DO UNDERSTAND his frustration...why would any one be entitled to him paying all her bills, and $10,000.00 a month spousal for ETERNITY {check the record}.IS it a wonder the man snapped?If the courts were really all about what is best for the children, my children would have spoken to the court appointed attorney they had, before the judge heard our case, not a year later.If the courts were all about the children, my veiws may be differant. It is not about anything but the money... nobody cares if you don't see or speak with the children. But make sure that check gets there in time

[truth]

Dear Sick of the System,

I have been through almost two decades of thesame things you complain of, but my child is still underage and I know speaking out with details will only harm us even more.My story is so much worse that Mack could everhave endured, but I have to wait another yearbefore I can speak out, and I will, for it is right thing to do in order to help others not experience that negative unliveable experience that has marred my entrie life and defined us toway less than poverty level with legal tactics that have tried to destroy me, impovish us in order to turn my kid over to the ex. The drunkas you put it, has no idea of what his horriblejudgements caused us to suffer, without any comptempt against the ex and his lying lawyer.He could never keep anything straight, and I knewhe was under the infulence of something to be sostupid and biased.I look forward to the time that I can tell my story in the press.In my instance, the check never ever came.Try to raise a kid on $50 dollars a month.One can't even buy paper plates for that kind of judgement, let alone raise a child right.The Family Court of Washoe County is horrible.

[Don't blame the family]

anonymous-I'm sorry, but you are mistaken.It is any judge's job to uphold the laws - not make arbitrary, vindictive decisions. Had this been done, justice and fairness would have prevailed. People can deal with laws being enforced; they cannot deal with further injustices, insult being added to injury.Quite possibly, with simply following the letter of the law, the situation would not have escalated to the point of both a murder and attempted murder taking place.That WAS Weller's job.

[expose]

I am concerned that my postings will be given to the courts, but my kids are almost of age to decide any way. Wouldn't that be ironic to lose my kids because I posted here. Think that couldn't happen, don't use logic to answer because I've given up on that one. Mcgee let my stepson go live with a career white collar criminal with no SS# or real name(he went by 4 names). Jordan gave 50/50 to an active morphine addict with multiple felonies but since her last overdose she only gets half the summer so my kids get their brain manipulated less now!Why do the liars and the loudest talkers, the amanipulators, and thebuddy lawyers get the rulings. one of these days Iam going to be in court and stand up and say IF YOU WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR KIDS,GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU F7VK UP EVEN MORE.

[Fathers are people too]

It seems to me that an occupation in this country is divorced mother. She can collect as much money as she wants, torment the father when and where she wants, if he dares to disagree with anything she may say, take him to court. Believe me I have been going through this for 8 years with a stepdaughter. He wasn't the best "partner" for T.S. but he is the best father my stepdaughter could ask for. T.S. threatens him on a daily basis. She continues to call him three to four times a day. She got married soon after she broke up with her daughters father, I often wonder how he feels playing second in T.S. life and not second to her daughter but second to her ex. She has definitely made a living off her daughters father. The government should add to the list of occupations in the “United States”

Now HiringDivorced Mother or ExMust have one or more children.May or may not live with you.Must be creative enough to ask for more on a daily basis, which may or may not go to the children.Must be willing to accept a check for alimony for life.Must be willing to sit by the pool and live in a mansion.Must be willing to put yourself on a pedestal and ahead of all the women that do deserve child support for children they are raising.Must be creative enough to degrade and slander.Must be willing to sit in court 12 times a year.No experience necessary. Pay to commensurate with your creativity in the court system.

[Sick of the System]

Truth, Don't Blame and Expose, As sad as it sounds we Don't have a place to turn or anyone in a position of power to help. Yes our lives have been screwed up, we are adults and can learn to deal with it. What about our Children?All of the biased decissions, and other horrific things the courts have handed down to us sucks! My question is how can they sleep at night? I wonder if any of them ever put themselves in our place? Oh wait, I guess they don't need to, we all know how the system works.As truth said one day I will tell my story, as will I! In the mean time I will arm myself with as much knowledge from the law library as my brain can retain.No longer will I TRUST my laywer to tell the truth, because I know for a fact, they took my money and left our lives in termoil.

[asbivflz pfib]

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[anonymous]

"I'm sorry, but you are mistaken.It is any judge's job to uphold the laws - not make arbitrary, vindictive decisions. Had this been done, justice and fairness would have prevailed. People can deal with laws being enforced; they cannot deal with further injustices, insult being added to injury.Quite possibly, with simply following the letter of the law, the situation would not have escalated to the point of both a murder and attempted murder taking place.That WAS Weller's job."

I'm mistaken, yea? Hmmm.. I didn't know there was a right or wrong opinion.

It's an opinion - that's all. You don't know what happens in these families - you know what media tells you and hearsay from others.

When are people going to start taking personal responsibility for THEIR choices? The only think Judge Weller did 'wrong' is become a judge. By pure chance, he was assigned this court case and you're blaming him? He didn't seek out Darren Mack to ruin his life - he did his job. Too bad if Darren didn't like it. Perhaps when he felt he was boiling over he should have visited his local doc and asked for help.

And as far as judges and lawyers being out for money - who isn't? How else does anybody survive these days. What about all the people who pay their attorneys $250? Why aren't they being judged and accused?

Try not to judge - don't blame the family - unless you've been there. Those "I nevers" always come back and bite ya in the ass, you know?

[anonymous]

I believe Weller was following the law - his calculations for child support couldn't be over and above the law. We have statutes and guidelines.. but then again, have any of you who are criticizing Weller actually gone to the library and researched all the laws? I often wonder...

Self righteousness destroys.

[anonymous]

STOP BEING VICTIMS PEOPLE!!! Take control of your lives and quit blaming everybody else. Sheeesh.

[Don't blame the family]

anonymous-Yes, I have been there.Have you?How do you stop being a victim, when the judge continues to victimize you?You can't take control of your life when there are impossible, unfair orders that don't allow you control of your own life.You can't take control when your ex takes you to court for every little thing (for an order to split a $10 co-pay), perjures themselves without reprimand, and continues to abuse the system while you are stuck to pay more and more attorney's fees and psychologist's fees, and lose time from work.By the way, I don't believe I ever said Mack was not wrong. Of course, he is. Murder is seldom justified."Sucked in" was faulting Mack's family for not stepping in to help him. That is totally unfair.I suggested that maybe Weller could have stopped the crimes from taking place. With fair/just rulings, things could have been different.But if things were handled IMPROPERLY, that IS one place to put blame...Why do so many people see this so black and white? Why does it have to be only one person wrong?There were many people involved in a very intense and volatile situation; it's doubtful that any one of them was completely without fault.

[Don't blame the family]

anonymous-As far as "I nevers," they are not much different than "couldn't's"...You say Weller's orders "couldn't" be over and above the law...Don't be so sure.Even the law recognizes the possibility of judicial error. That is why there is an appeals process.

[anonymous]

You are only a victim if you allow yourself can be... you can take your hard knocks and build from there. Work with what you have.

Yes, I have been there. Yes, I was in the same judge's chambers and hated his decisions, but I overcame my emotional drama and made the best of a shitty situation.

[anonymous]

"Even the law recognizes the possibility of judicial error. That is why there is an appeals process."

And Darren Mack, just as well as you or I, could have chosen to use the system to his advantage - it would have cost him a lot less heartache and money. Darren Mack was in his courtroom for a reason - just like thousands of others. Personal accountability would have made a huge difference, IMO.

[expose]

I have control of my life anonymous. I've read custody law and precedent. If you tell a judge and have evidence someone if on serious drugs and they don't listen are your kids a victim..yes. If your daughter gets raped is she a victim. If you walked up to me and asked me directions and I hit you unexpectedly , if you went to a doctor with exertional chest pain and they missed an obvious heart condition yadayada.Get off your high horse. I'm sure you know we have a society that is increasingly self-entitled and irresponsible. I am not one of those. I would have and will make any sacrifice for my children. Am I bitter because of the needless suffering the kids endured, you bet. I guarantee you haven't lived through the hell some of these parents have, since you seem to have minimal empathy and perspective I'd bet you'd really snap bad if you lost your kids a junkie and one got raped.Open your mind, there are probably some self-centered whiners here but there are also loving parents that had their hearts ripped out too. People with post-traumatic stress from their experience are VICTIMS buddy and you are wrong.

[expose]

By the way Mack is a weak man for putting his own vendetta above his kids lives. He screwed his kids and himself for life.

[Sick of the System]

I am sorry if by my posts I had made everyone upset. This is not my intention. I was just stating facts from my own case. As for the appeals process and Judicial Review, what I have read and found scares me to even concider it.The judge who sat drunk on the bench and got a slap on the wrist and some public embarrassment was "tried" by the some of the same attorney's who argue cases in his court room.If you go to the Bar with a complaint about your attorney, they are reviewed by thier peers. If you seek an appeal, first you must be heard by another Washoe Family Court Judge {not saying it would or would not make any differance}... if you are lucky enough to be able to afford to appeal to the Supreme Court good for you.As I said I can not phathom why Darren chose to do what he did...he alone will answer for his crimes, he has to face his and Charla's daughter someday, not to mention his other two children.I wish there were answers to make the process go easier on the families, but until there is...yes we adults suffer, but in the end our children will pay the ultimate price.I am so sorry for those of you who have to deal with ex's that do drugs and worse, may you all heal from this hell. {sorry}I can only speak from what the effects this mess has caused my relationship with my children. They tell me they are court ordered to call me.I have to deal with their hostility everytime we speak. They are so confussed.I am aware that maybe someday we will work it all out. One can only hope.

[expose]

Sick od the System. Sorry for your pain and your kids confusion, you're right about the children paying the price. I'm not sorry if I offended anyone though. The system is for insiders and manipulators all to frequently. I'm sure it works when both parties are typically hurt parents trying to resolve disputes but the freaks get the benefit of call when they stand up and scream for their RIGHTS. Mcgee typically burned women in court and ignored abusive males(my wife had him years ago and suffered greatly) while Jordan was a champion of female rights even in the face of child endangerment(apparently a uterus is super special even if you're unfit). All I heard about Weller is that you better have a lawyer that he likes(which is Mack's contention) and that he makes very quick decisions. He has had an inordinate number of lawyers change judges or file complaints against him. Maybe he's a victim of a screwed system but someone needs to monitor these guys to avoid kids being put into a bad situation or other major mistakes. Maybe a one year monitor for newly elected judges and a readily accessible grievance system for people who feel a ruling was erroneous.I don't know if this systen would have worked for Darren Mack. I've read his posts and they are all about financial injustice. Is it ufair if it's true...sure. Is he a stupid steroid raging control freak for burning his children's future by murdering his annoying ex and trying ti get a judge he thought was crooked...sure. Do I think that swingers are poor parents and can expect heartache...yes. Was he a moron for not gettin a prenuptial...yes. Should he have been treated fairly financially by law(which will be and should be a secondary issue in the case...yes. Will the real truth come out in this good ol' boys town, I hope so but don't count on it.

[Sick of the System]

Anonymous, I see where you are coming from...I for one live by what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...and I am happy that you have made it past all of this crap.As for all of the rest out there, I don't know about you but I am trying to rise above all of this. As I said, I spend countless hours looking up the laws and cross referancing the info... but it does not one ounce of good if the Judge doesn't hear any of what you have to say.As far as judges making decisions that are 'over' the law they do. As I said in an earlier post the ex lied to get my tools, that I needed to earn a living, wiped out the account my paychecks went in an left me flat broke. How was I to pay the money owed?I had an attorney that I trusted to answer the paperwork and look out for my interests, who told me over and over again it was going to be a cake walk, since all I asked for was visitation and my tools.The intire time he was hidding assets from his wife's divorce attorney. He never answered one Motion, nor was he honest with me when I stopped by or called weekly.The judge filed a default and I was ordered to return any personal property {that belonged to me prior} and to pay for All expences the ex incurred. The child support was set at $1000.00 per month per child. And no I wasn't making the kind of money Darren was!The Nv. law are very specific as to how support is assigned... did it matter I had to look for a new way to earn a living and was making below poverty? No! Instead of following the NRS he said he was going to impute a higher income to me, so the ex could get more.I take a second job so I can eat and have a place to bring my children to visit... the ex gets more. I get another part time job...it is a cycle that never ends.In hearing others tell parts and pieces of their stories helps some of us realize we are not alone... I know when I tell what I have been through people think I am either crazy or making it up. If I had apenny for everytime I have heard"That could never happen" or "you should do something about it" I would be rich and I would be able to afford a high priced attorney to get this in front of the judge.I find that simply ironic... the ex's want more, but most of the money that could be going to my children goes to someone elses house hold.To be perfectly honest I continue to try and keep the faith in the system... but have a real hard time understanding why there are laws to protect you... but they are not enforced.Start with looking up the NRS concerning perjury or signing affidavits you all know where it states " Under the Penalty of Perjury, I swear and Affirm..." isn't worth the piece of paper it is written on. The DA's office won't even touch it. If the courts are not willing to up hold this law {this is where I would start} even if you have documents proving the person is lying, where do we find justice?

[expose]

You're sure right about lying not being a big deal. I wonder if the judges assume everyone lies so its no big deal. I wish I had a shock collar (lying collar) for my ex and and attorney. We would be better off if lying spouses and especially intentionally lying attorneys paid the price for their sins instead of their victims. Maybe we should have a list of attorneys that lie(or is that all of them).

[anonymous]

You can choose to remain a bitter victim, Expose, or you can rise above it and move on. I've chosen to move on - and don't underestimate what I've gone through... You have no idea. And if you knew, I think you'd change your attitude toward me. But that's me.

Btw, in Judge Weller's press conference he addressed the problems in family court.

[GideonsTrumpet]

I have performed over 30,000 divorces. More than anyone in the country. I retired young when I was sick of the system--my choice. I could empathize with Darren feeling beyond raped. And I have a degree in psych. You got to feel your world is over when a Judge says "$10,000 a month" and yeah "we will talk about the kids in a few months." Jeezus. I think the August thing seemed like an eternity to him and put him over the edge. If you love your kids. Yes, he had a big ego, and yeah, that ego was crushed. Who are we to judge what is a persons edge? The Jury in this case--I hope. I am a female! I got sick of wife's saying "he hit me" and the judge cannot take a chance. So she gets the restraining order 99% of the time.

Then it appears to be a "pattern." 50% of women lie to gain many advantages. Yes, 50% are abused. There has always been problems with JUST this issue. But this was one of many system cracks Darren experienced. People do not have experience with a nasty court fight. Normally. So, this can also be a mind blower with no other upsetting factors. Divorce alone is upsetting. Let's start with that.

Then, he is ordered to pay $10,000 a month. Even I said "shee-it" when I heard that. No matter what you make that amount is tuff. You must pay taxes and so on. I have seen Judges base it on the gross income. Bet your ass they would calculate it off the net income if it was the Judge getting a divorce. Second crack Darren fell through. And his lawyer DID NOT emotionally prepare him for that. Obviously. Duh. SCREW Bar complaints. They usually have a "buddy" on the board.

Either way Darren goes to jail. Failure to pay taxes, or contempt on the non-payment of support. He did care! Get it? AND she was out for every penny. It is not like she said "I will work with you--that is high." That may have helped and I have seen women agree a ruling was too hard even if they did not like their spouse. (AND heresay--she was spending money like mad.) I think he never touched her until he figured he might as well, and be truly accussed.

The next step is typically spend part of that $10,000 on a new guy--(my experience.) But back to facts, obviously he felt he lost everything. Everything. He went to the news, like they cared. That showed he was naive to the "system." He cared. He must have truly believed TOO MUCH in our justice system. That is obvious. And he believed in the news system. Jerk Judges is not "news." Another shocker.

So. yes, you must be nuts to shoot a Judge and think you can get away with it, nevermind the wife. My point is how bad do you have to hurt and see no light to try to gain control back? Although that was not a real solution. She was not helpful is all I have to say about her. If he was truly violent she would come off part of that award--she did have the option to trump the judge. If I feared my husband--I sure would!

The Judge was not really looking hard at both sides. My experience? Late for a golf game and no respect for Pawn Brokers. Either way, I hope a message was sent to really take time when making such important orders. It is important. It is a human life and we go on about abortion and so on.

So many people get screwed every day in family court and it is HARD to appeal. You have a better chance with a criminal charge by far. Another crack. Hey, Judges and lawyers make good money and immunity is another crack. The should not have absolute immunity from being sued. They would pay more attention and aim to be more fair.

So, once again, no options for Mack. And with all of the other sicko's out there, like the lady drowning her five kids--at least Mack thought he was making a point. Although warped. He felt it was his only point, and that with the feeling of complete shock and rage is why it happened. Right or wrong. At least we know WHY, which is never clear by real pyschopaths. They usually plead innocent.

And the other thing I noticed. He did not take out anyone else. I think if he did, we would write him off with the rest of the whack jobs who had "bad mothers" and there would be no blog. Hello? There are meanings here that disturb people when there are worse crimes with few blogs.

I am pretty sure others in here are lawyers if they are so against Mack, or Judges. They do not want a pattern set. Politics.

I left law because divorce is a "business" and you gotta keep that fight going to make the bucks. And Judges WERE lawyers at one time, so they all tip their hats. I think his family lawyer should go to jail. There's a twist.

[Sick of the System]

Gideons Trumpet, Thanks for your insight. Just one question... Have you ever known of a divorce/family case go from civil to criminal?