Judge Teresa Hawthorne of Dallas, TX; bullying scofflaw

The Supreme Court of Texas presented Teresa Jan Hawthorne with a law license in 1990 after she graduated from St. Mary’s University Law School.

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct found Terry guilty of the following misconduct.

• Engaged in illegal ex parte (one-sided) communications with jurors
• Failed to act with courtesy and dignity in dealing with jurors
• Engaged in persistent and willful violations of the Code of Conduct

Terry’s first instance of misconduct relates to improper actions on behalf of her nephew.

• Improperly asked fellow judge via email to withdraw warrant for her nephew’s arrest
• Falsely advised fellow judge that she was allowed to practice law in representing family members pursuant to some unspecified Supreme court rule and/or statute
• Sent second email to fellow judge and District Attorney asking that they agree to withdraw the outstanding arrest warrant for her nephew
• Improperly testified on her nephew’s behalf at probation revocation hearing
• While testifying at nephew’s revocation hearing, Terry stated on the record she was a sitting judge on three occasions and further testified as to her nephew’s character

Terry’s second instance of misconduct relates to Terry’s actions in a murder trial wherein she made the following comments to jurors after they returned a guilty verdict and sentenced the murderer to 99-years in prison.

• “Quite frankly, I am disturbed by the way you came back with such a harsh verdict and sentence for this man’s life in such a short time. Did you even discuss the details of this case at all?”
• “I can tell y’all this. If I’d been a juror on this case, it would have been a hung jury.”
• “I definitely would have wanted to hear from the defendant’s mother.”
• “She could not believe that we found the defendant guilty.”
• “Your punishment was too harsh.”
• “I did not believe the victim was raped at all.” (defendant murdered the victim)

As a direct consequence of her misconduct, the cheerleaders for Judicial Misfits sitting on the Texas Supreme Court punished Terry by gifting her with a complimentary admonishment.

As we speak (ca. March 2018), Terry continues to sit as a 203^rd Judicial District Court Judge in Dallas, Texas.