Judge Philip Smith of Pocahontas, AR; lazy Dumbo

The state of Arkansas presented Thomas Newman Jr. with a law license in 1979 after he graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law School.

The Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission found Judge Smith guilty of the following misconduct.

• Repeatedly failed to comply with Arkansas law
• Failed to act with due diligence
• Failed to competently perform judicial duties (Dumbo)

Arkansas rules mandate that a judge issue rulings on a case within 90 days the case is ready for determination. Despite said requirements, Judge Smith took 40 months to decide a case involving Betty Hamby and 33 months to render a ruling in a case involving Peggy James.

As a consequence of his misconduct the cheerleaders for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission punished Philip by gifting him with a complimentary informal adjustment.

As we speak (ca. June 2014), Judge Smith remains sitting on the bench in Pocahontas, Arkansas.