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Judge Belittled a Black Woman — Unaware She Had Power Over His Job

Judge Belittled a Black Woman — Unaware She Had Power Over His Job

Chapter 14

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"One more word and I will have my bailiff put you in handcuffs."Every time she read a quote, Shaw flinched as if he was being physically struck with a whip. The other panel members glared at him with open, unmasked disgust.Alicia set the transcript down. She looked into Shaw's terrified, pleading eyes."For the record, Judge Shaw," Alicia said slowly, every syllable dripping with calculated destruction, "I did graduate high school. I then graduated summa cum laude from Emory University Law School. I then earned my Master of Laws from Harvard. But my education is not what is on trial here today, and neither is my background. What is on trial is your fundamental fitness to wear the robe and serve the citizens of Georgia—a trust you have utterly, disgustingly violated.""Chairwoman, please," Hale intervened, trying desperately to salvage his client. "My client is deeply remorseful. He's prepared to tender a formal apology, undergo rigorous bias training, and subject himself to a probationary period.""Mr. Hale," Alicia interrupted softly, "do not insult my intelligence or the intelligence of this panel. We all know that if I had truly been a pro se litigant working a minimum-wage job, Judge Shaw would not be remorseful today. He would have fined me $5,000, laughed about it at his country club, and moved on to his federal appointment."At the mention of the federal appointment, Shaw buried his face in his hands, letting out a low, pathetic sob."This panel has also reviewed the twenty-two previous complaints filed against you, Judge Shaw, which detail a distinct, undeniable pattern of discriminatory behavior toward minorities, women, and low-income litigants," Alicia continued, signaling the final blow. She looked at her fellow panel members; they all nodded in grim unison."The Judicial Qualifications Commission of Georgia finds that you have committed egregious, indefensible violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct," Alicia declared, her voice ringing with the heavy finality of a gavel striking wood. "We are unanimously recommending to the Georgia Supreme Court immediate, permanent removal from the bench."Shaw gasped for air, his career dissolving into ash before his eyes."Furthermore," Alicia added, her eyes locked onto his, "this commission is forwarding the authenticated transcripts and audio recordings of your racist conduct directly to the White House Counsel's Office and to the Senate Judiciary Committee."It was a total, unmitigated slaughter.
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Judge Belittled a Black Woman — Unaware She Had Power Over His Job

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