Judge facing indecent exposure charges “demoted” to probate cases

In April 2008, Tulsa County Oklahoma District Judge Jessie Harris was charged with two counts of indecent exposure.  See Judge Jessie Harris Busted, Bubbaworld, April 25, 2008.

While his charges are resolved, he has been “demoted” from the felony docket to the probate division where he will preside over cases involving wills, trusts, and other probate matters.  See Bill Braun, Judge facing sex charges in given new assignment, Tulsa World, April 29, 2008. 

Regardless of the guilt or innocence of Judge Harris, I am disturbed by the implication that probate cases are less “worthy” and that probate court is viewed as a good place to park potentially ethically- or morally-challenged judges while their cases are resolved.

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Attorney at law, Florida Probate Attorney Wills and Estates Law Firm) for bringing this situation to my attention.