Mississippi Supremes Order Suspension of Wacky Local Judge

In an 8-1 ruling Mississippi Supreme Court ordered a 30 day suspension and reprimand for a Stone County Superior Court Judge for judicial conduct that is fairly characterized as whacked!  According to a report at the Clarion-Ledger, Judge Theresa Brown Dearman presided over a criminal case involving her nephew, required other defendants to attend church as a condition of their bond, and discussed cases with parties outside the courtroom.

According to the report Judge Dearman agreed with the facts presented by the commission and agreed to the punishment. The Supreme Court said Judge Dearman's charged conduct involved nine cases over a period of more than three years and affected at least 22 parties and complainants.

A dissenting Justice said the accusations against Dearman "appeared vague."  Are you kidding me? 
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Years ago I was trying a lawsuit involving a young adult woman who was sexually abused by her father.  This was a horrible trial, and my poor shattered client decided to settle the case for a nominal payment mid-trial.  The Judge, I'm sure she was well-intentioned--decided it was appropriate to drag all the parties into her chambers and give a biblical-grounded lecture. The judge then invited all of us to pray together.  I was stunned, too stunned to speak.  Thankfully, my partner Nancy had the presence of mind to thank the Judge but indicated that the suggestion was inappropriate.  The conference ended, abruptly.