The repubs are going after the judicial branch

[kpete]

The repubs are going after the judicial branch!!
The Homeland Security Committee not the judiciary committee is serving up a bill to sic an IG on the federal courts.


Statement of Chairman Howard Coble Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Legislative Hearing on H.R. 5219, “The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2006” June 29, 2006

....................

In recent years, there have been disturbing reports that a number of federal judges are continuing to violate ethical rules, including disclosure requirements, or are engaging in judicial misconduct. Equally troubling is the lackluster response from the circuits in self-policing this behavior. It is clear that we can no longer rely on the 1980 Act and I share the Chairman’s concern on this issue.

H.R. 5219 establishes an independent Inspector General within the Judicial Branch who is appointed by and reports directly to the Chief Justice of the United States. The Inspector General will conduct investigations of complaints of judicial misconduct, conduct and supervise audits, detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the Judicial Branch.

The creation of an Inspector General is not a radical idea. Inspectors General exist in over 60 Executive agencies, boards and commissions, and Congress as well. They shine a light on the internal operations of these entities in order to prevent fraud and improve efficiency and accountability. There is no reason why the Judicial Branch should be exempt from this type of oversight.

As Chairman Sensenbrenner emphasized when he introduced this bill, the Inspector General will not have any authority or jurisdiction over the substance of a judge’s opinion. Judicial independence in rendering decisions is a critical component of the separation of powers that must not be tampered with. However, unethical behavior and misconduct must be taken seriously to maintain the public’s confidence in the judiciary.

http://judiciary.house.gov/HearingOpeningStatement.aspx?ID=63

[depakid]

1. This is actually a good idea

And the Dems don't seem to care- they popped Alito right onto the Court without the slightest concern for his misconduct.

Can't say as I support this proposal- since I haven't read it-- but the idea is an EXCELLENT one.