Post by Logan on Jun 19, 2016 6:00:53 GMT -6
In Rare Use Of Law, Mapp Removes Judge Dunston As Presiding Judge Of The Superior Court
ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp on Friday announced the appointment of Judge Harold A. Willocks to serve as presiding judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Judge Willocks will replace current Presiding Judge Michael C. Dunston.
he governor’s move might be without precedent, as it’s extremely rare that a governor, aside from appointing judges, becomes involved in matters of the judicial branch of government. The governor cited Virgin Islands Code Title 4, Chapter 71, which he says gives him the authority to replace Judge Dunston with Willocks as presiding judge.
That section of the code reads:
“The Governor shall designate one of the judges of the court to serve as presiding judge of the court to preside for such term, perform such duties, and exercise such authority as may be otherwise provided by law, or by rules of the court.”
But the law, while clear on the ability of a governor to appoint a presiding judge, does not say that a governor can remove a judge from the position without the term of said judge being expired.
Read more: viconsortium.com/breaking-news/in-rare-use-of-law-mapp-removes-judge-dunston-as-presiding-judge-of-the-superior-court/
ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp on Friday announced the appointment of Judge Harold A. Willocks to serve as presiding judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Judge Willocks will replace current Presiding Judge Michael C. Dunston.
he governor’s move might be without precedent, as it’s extremely rare that a governor, aside from appointing judges, becomes involved in matters of the judicial branch of government. The governor cited Virgin Islands Code Title 4, Chapter 71, which he says gives him the authority to replace Judge Dunston with Willocks as presiding judge.
That section of the code reads:
“The Governor shall designate one of the judges of the court to serve as presiding judge of the court to preside for such term, perform such duties, and exercise such authority as may be otherwise provided by law, or by rules of the court.”
But the law, while clear on the ability of a governor to appoint a presiding judge, does not say that a governor can remove a judge from the position without the term of said judge being expired.
Read more: viconsortium.com/breaking-news/in-rare-use-of-law-mapp-removes-judge-dunston-as-presiding-judge-of-the-superior-court/