By AP
JACKSON, MI –
The Michigan Supreme Court has removed a Jackson County judge from office for misconduct.
District Court Judge James Justin was accused of dismissing traffic cases after talking to people in the hallway or elsewhere outside court. He also was accused of dismissing tickets for himself, his wife, friends and staff.
The Supreme Court unanimously ordered Justin's removal Friday. Justin has been a judge for decades in Jackson. He's been suspended with pay since July 2010.
Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. says Justin's "acts of misconduct are without precedent" in Michigan disciplinary cases. He says the judge showed a "calculated disregard for the law."
Three fellow Republican justices signed Young's decision. The court's three Democratic justices agreed only with Justin's removal. A message seeking comment was left for Justin's lawyer.