Judicial ethics

To the editor:

In Douglas County we have six judges who uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary. Three of our judges are women and three are men. All of our judges are faithful to the law and maintain professional competence. Each has demonstrated that he or she is unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism. Each has shown patience, maintained his or her dignity and been courteous to litigants, staff and lawyers. Not one of our judges has demonstrated any gender bias toward any lawyer, litigant, staff member or victim.

The allegations that Judge Paula Martin has been biased against women or doesn’t care about women’s issues are ill-founded. The allegation that the sentences imposed by Judge Martin were not tough enough is a complaint that is properly raised in an appeal to the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Our judges are subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct that sets the standards of ethical conduct for our judges. Judge Martin has not breached this code.

Our judicial system is based on the principle of an independent, fair and competent judiciary. Judge Martin has had the courage to adhere to this principle despite the public clamor. She should be retained.

Jane M. Eldredge,

Lawrence