The Judicial Conduct Commission issued an unpaid suspension against a Kentucky judge. (Getty Images)
A Kentucky judge has been suspended without pay for two weeks over judicial misconduct allegations.
Allegations against Circuit Judge Judy Vance Murphy include using her position in personal situations, talking about cases with parties not involved, using a cell phone from the bench and leveraging her influence, which the Judicial Conduct Commission found violated several code of conduct rules.
Murphy, whose 29th Judicial Circuit includes Casey and Adair counties, “acknowledges all of the alleged conduct to be true and accurate” and waived proceedings on the matter, according to her agreed-upon order of suspension.
According to that document, the Judicial Conduct Commission found Murphy “leveraged her influence as a member of the judiciary in handling a personal matter that involved her daughter’s boyfriend and his mother” in September 2023.
Also, between Aug. 28, 2017 and March 8, 2021, Murphy “inappropriately engaged in discussions about ongoing cases with individuals not involved in those cases, thereby threatening the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary,” according to the suspension order.
She also used her smartphone “from the bench during court proceedings for non-court related matters,” the document says.
Finally, Murphy “inappropriately leveraged her judicial influence for personal gain by requesting that a suspended attorney sign an affidavit stating the attorney did not view Judge Murphy as vindictive.”
All these actions violated four judicial conduct rules, the suspension order says, including those requiring judges to be dignified and act in ways that promote confidence in the judiciary.
Murphy’s suspension began at midnight on Nov. 11 and ends Nov. 25 at midnight. During the time of suspension, she is not allowed to access her Casey County Judicial Center office. She must also turn in security passes and/or keys.
She will also not be able to be involved in any proceeding involving the suspended lawyer, according to her suspension order.
Adair and Casey Counties are in south-central Kentucky.
Read the agreed suspension order
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