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.
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Engaged in illegal ex parte (one-sided) communications with jurors
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Failed to act with courtesy and dignity in dealing with jurors
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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.
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Improperly asked fellow judge via email to withdraw warrant for her nephew’s arrest
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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
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Sent second email to fellow judge and District Attorney asking that they agree to withdraw the outstanding arrest warrant for her nephew
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Improperly testified on her nephew’s behalf at probation revocation hearing
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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.
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“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?”
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“I can tell y’all this. If I’d been a juror on this case, it would have been a hung jury.”
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“I definitely would have wanted to hear from the defendant’s mother.”
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“She could not believe that we found the defendant guilty.”
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“Your punishment was too harsh.”
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“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 203rd Judicial District Court Judge in Dallas, Texas.
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