District Judge John Jones III of the Middle District of Pennsylvania had this op-ed in Sunday’s Philadelphia Inquirer, entitled “Commentary: Trump’s criticism of judge unwarranted and dangerous.” He criticizes Trump for his criticism of Judge Gonzalo Curiel, the California federal judge presiding over the Trump University case. Judge Jones notes that Judge Curiel asked him not had not asked him to speak out, but that he thought it important to do so.
One interesting passage:
Here is a not-so-surprising disclosure: Judges are all too human and deeply imperfect. We can certainly get it wrong. Indeed, I have been told that on a number of occasions by a court of appeals. And we are hardly above being criticized by the public. I know this only too well, having decided a number of high-profile and controversial cases during my 14 years on the bench that have generated searing personal criticisms. That is as it should be in a democracy.
Another:
Of course Trump should and likely does know better than to believe that judges operate this way. His sister Judge Maryanne Trump Barry is an accomplished and superb member of the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia. Barry has participated in countless decisions involving controversial cases and has served with great distinction. I cannot know what Barry thinks of her brother’s views on Curiel, but it is difficult to believe that this highly ethical and respected judge condones behavior that diminishes the judicial branch that she has served so well.
You don’t see that every day.
UPDATE: Post updated to correct my error.
Matt:
Interesting piece as always. It’s probably worth making one correction to your description. Judge Jones didn’t write “that Judge Curiel asked him not to speak out,” he wrote that Judge Curiel did not ask him to speak out. There’s no indication that Judge Jones and Judge Curiel have ever communicated.
You’re right of course, I will correct my post. Thank you, David.