WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Disciplinary action not yet taken against Justice Bardwell

Disciplinary action not yet taken against Justice Bardwell

By Keitha Nelson - bio | email

ROBERT, LA (WAFB) - At the Louisiana Supreme Court, their phones were ringing non-stop. People wanted to know all about the Justice of the Peace from Robert, LA who refused to marry an interracial couple.

Valerie Willard with the Louisiana Supreme Court says after a lengthy process, three things could happen to Justice of the Peace, Keith Bardwell. Bardwell could be publicly censured, suspended with or with out pay, or removed from office.

Bardwell's "moral" objection to marrying Terence and Beth McKay raised eyebrows and numerous questions.

"This is plain straight up constitutional law," said Attorney Jill Craft. "You can not make those decisions on the basis of race."

Craft like many others, was shocked when she heard the news. As an elected official Craft says Bardwell took an oath to uphold the constitution and the state's laws. "To make a decision that is unconstitutional I mean it's just shocking," said Craft."These types of instances haven't been tolerated in this country for almost 50, 60 years."

Willard says it appears that the judicial code of conduct may have been violated. It states.. "a judge shall perform judicial duties without bias or prejudice."

Willard says in order to take disciplinary action against Bardwell, the first step would be to make a complaint with the Louisiana Judiciary Commission. An investigation would then be launched and that would lead to a hearing with the commission.

Willard said Friday afternoon, disciplinary action has not been taken against Bardwell. And it cannot happen overnight.

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