Judges On Wrong Side Of The Law

After 14 years on the bench, Judge Victor Barron spoke with authority at a sentencing last year when he declared, "No one is above the law."

The sentencing, after all, was his own.

The silver-haired Brooklyn judge was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs to begin a three- to nine-year prison term for taking thousands of dollars in bribes - perhaps the most troubling scene so far in a judicial corruption scandal that one watchdog group calls the worst in the nation.

Since Barron's conviction, authorities have arrested a second Brooklyn judge for allegedly accepting gifts from a corrupt lawyer, kicked a third off the bench for breaking rules on rental property and scrutinized a fourth for his handling of his elderly aunt's life savings.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/04/national/main566433.shtml

I have first hand knowledge this has happened in another major U.S. city. In high school my friend stole (joy ride) a car and crossed over a state line. Grand Theft Auto. He was arrested, booked and went to trial (at the judges lunch time no one else in court room). $2000 went to the judge, $1000 went to the DA, $1000 went to his lawyer, (above the normal fee.) Judge, 'Are you a good kid?' Friend, 'Yes sir'. All records destroyed.

http://www.geocities.com/darkerxdarker