Judge Lawton Stephens of Athens, GA; arrogant Dumbo

The state of Georgia presented David Lawton Stephens with a law license in 1981 after he graduated from the University of Georgia Law School.

Former Gov. Zell Miller was duped into appointing Lawton to a seat on the Western District Court in Athens in 1991. Lawton didn’t get the appointment because he was the most qualified lawyer in the greater Athens area. He got it because he had proven to be a reliable lackey for the local political hacks.

In one matter, Judge Stephens was assigned to preside over the case of Jamie Hood, accused of killing a Athens-Clarke County police officer.

Subsequently, Hood’s lawyers argued that Stephens should recuse (remove) himself from the case because he knew the slain officer, Elmer “Buddy” Christian. However, Stephens the Ethical Dwarf refused to act in accordance with the oath of office he took and Code of Judicial Ethics.

Stephens’ refusal to remove himself from the case led to the presiding judge, David Sweat ruling that Stephens should not hear the case.

As we speak (ca. July 2017), Lawton the Dumbo remains sitting as a District Court judge in Athens, Georgia.