The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has set a June 18 hearing for Judge Sharon Keller, presiding judge for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the women responsible for refusing to stay in the office after 5PM so paperwork could be filed to stay the execution of Michael Richard based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s stay of impending executions issued that same day. Keller’s refusal resulted in Richard’s execution, and since 2007 the judge’s conduct has been questioned by some as unethical.
The State Commission’s hearing will begin at 9 AM in Room 140 of the Reagan State Office Building, 105 W. 15th St (open to the public). The hearing will give Keller as well as prosecutors one last opportunity to address the Commission before they decide on a punishment for the judge. There is no state law which requires a decision within a certain time frame, however the Commission does have a variety of options on how to handle Keller’s misconduct, ranging from exonerating Keller to recommending her removal from office.
To view an Austin American Statesman article on the hearing click here.