FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2011
Contact: Rick DeBruhl, Chief Communications Officers
Phone: (602) 340-7335, Mobile: (602) 513-6385
Email: rick.debruhl@staff.azbar.org
Former Judge Suspended from Practicing Law
PHOENIX - Aug. 4, 2011 - The Supreme Court of
Arizona has issued its opinion regarding the suspension of Former
Tucson Municipal Court Judge Theodore Abrams from the practice of
law for two years.
Abrams resigned from his position after an investigative report
revealed sexual harassment and retaliation against an assistant
public defender. As a result of the investigation the Commission on
Judicial Conduct and Abrams entered an agreement for a censure, the
only available sanction for a judge who has resigned his
position. The Court ordered the censure for violating the
Code of Judicial Conduct and enjoined Abrams from "ever again
functioning as a judicial officer in the State of Arizona."
The State Bar of Arizona filed a brief asking the Court to
consider imposing additional disciplinary sanctions against Abrams'
license to practice law. In a 20 page brief, the Bar stated that
Abrams "…engaged in a prolonged and relentless effort to sexually
harass an assistant public defender who appeared in his court" and
"in a gross misuse of his power, he inflicted his retribution from
the bench for the victim's refusal to yield to his pursuit." The
brief concluded by recommending a multiple year suspension. In its
order filed May 25th, the Court suspended Abrams from the practice
of law in the State of Arizona for two years, effective one week
from the date of the order. Today's opinion explains the foundation
of that order.
You can read the full opinion here: http://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/23/pdf2011/JC110001.pdf
About the State Bar
The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes approximately 16,000 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933 the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.
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