The preliminary investigation indicates Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times following an argument inside the courthouse
Lead county prosecutor Matt Butler described an outpouring of sympathy as he recused himself and his office from investigations in the shooting, citing social and family ties to Mullins.
“We all know each other here. … Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and that we have children who are first cousins but act like siblings," Butler said in statement from his office. “For that reason, among others, I have already taken steps to recuse myself and my entire office.”
Not to take away from the topic at hand, but is having the judge and prosecutor being brothers-in-law not considered a conflict of interest???
I believe that’s his stated reason (as noted in the text you quoted) for recusing himself and his entire office, no? Do you think that’s an inappropriate response to a clear conflict of interest?
Or were you referring to the previous situation, where a sitting judge and prosecutor were related? That seems like a valid point, though perhaps it’s easier to remain impartial in that case.
I know judges know all the lawyers and prosecutors due to working together, but the quote makes them sound much more bro-ish and that they spent much time together out of work.
If he was a public defender, I get that’s one thing, but a judge and prosecutor that chummy has to make it harder than normal to be the defendant.
Not to take away from the topic at hand, but is having the judge and prosecutor being brothers-in-law not considered a conflict of interest???
I believe that’s his stated reason (as noted in the text you quoted) for recusing himself and his entire office, no? Do you think that’s an inappropriate response to a clear conflict of interest?
Or were you referring to the previous situation, where a sitting judge and prosecutor were related? That seems like a valid point, though perhaps it’s easier to remain impartial in that case.
Yes, I meant as in all previous cases.
I know judges know all the lawyers and prosecutors due to working together, but the quote makes them sound much more bro-ish and that they spent much time together out of work.
If he was a public defender, I get that’s one thing, but a judge and prosecutor that chummy has to make it harder than normal to be the defendant.