JONESBORO, Ark. — Just days after the district prosecutor questioned the fitness of Judge-elect Doug Brimhall to be sworn in as a circuit judge in Northeast Arkansas, another prominent leader and victim advocate is raising concerns about the same topic.
Casey Kidd, the executive director of the Family Crisis Center, Inc., sent a letter of concern to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. The letter, dated October 7, voices concerns regarding Brimhall overseeing cases that could “impact victims that we serve.”
“I feel it is my duty to bring about facts to you to prove why it would be absolutely detrimental to allow Judge-Elect Brimhall to serve Division 4 of District 2 in this judicial role,” Kidd wrote in the letter.
Kidd said she recently attended a Human-Centric Investigations conference organized by the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault, where data shared weighed heavily on her, especially since the plea deal. She wrote that one piece of data was that 11% of sexual assault victims do not report their assault because they’re afraid of the legal process. Furthermore, 95% of victims who do report later regret it.
“If an individual who has been charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member, a felony, and third-degree domestic battery and ultimately pleads guilty to a harassment charge but is still allowed to serve our community as a circuit judge who will oversee cases including but not limited to those involving domestic violence and sexual assault, what does that say about our system?” Kidd asked in the letter. “Does this say that our system is a safe place for a victim? Does this say that our system follows the motto that, ‘no one is above the law?’ Does this say that our system does everything possible to protect the victim and convict the perpetrator? From my standpoint, I, unfortunately, do not feel that I can answer yes to the questions that I posed.”
The letter notes that Brimhall took an oath to abide by rules of professional conduct and any other standard of ethics proclaimed by the court. Kidd writes that Brimhall, in her belief, has not kept his oath, nor does she see how he can do so going forward.
The letter was also sent to all 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Judges, Arkansas Chief Justice Dan Kemp, and Charlene Fleetwood, Deputy Director for Arkansas Judiciary Office of Professional Conduct. Members of the media were also sent the letter.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Japan & Saudi Arabia are two areas to watch, as fitness brands like The Bar Method, Pure Barre, YogaSix, and GymNation see massive potentialIt’s not just
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Two of Memphis’ top fitness influencers are challenging each other and their social media followers to “step it up” in a collective
ST. CLOUD (WJON) -- A new fitness center is set to open in St. Cloud. Crunch Fitness will open in Crossroads Center on October 31st in the old Sears location.C
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more › There was a time when Fitbit