Ex-Ariz. Justice to Referee Suits Against Phoenix Judges in ‘Christmas Truce’
The legal infighting that has resulted in a RICO suit against some Maricopa County judges and other officials will be overseen by former Arizona Chief Justice Ruth McGregor.
The court’s current chief justice, Rebecca Berch, said she made the appointment in an effort to ensure that the lawsuits and investigations don’t affect the administration of justice or diminish public trust in the justice system, according to stories in the Phoenix New Times and the Arizona Republic.
A racketeering suit filed by Maricopa County’s sheriff, Joe Arpaio, and the county attorney, Andrew Thomas, accuses the county board of supervisors and at least four judges of corruption in connection with the construction of a $340 million court office tower. Thomas has also filed bribery charges against Presiding Criminal Judge Gary Donahoe that appear to be largely based on the judge’s court rulings.
More than 250 lawyers and activists gathered on the steps of a Phoenix courthouse on Dec. 21 to protest the legal actions.
The Phoenix New Times says McGregor has her work cut out for her. “We wouldn’t wish this job on our worst enemy,” the publication says. McGregor will have the power to appoint judges to hear cases and motions, and to take any actions necessary to ensure swift and impartial justice.
“Will McGregor’s appointment make Maricopa County functional again?” the Arizona Republic writes in an editorial. “Not by itself. But this supreme court-ordered Christmas truce may keep it from erupting into World War III.”
