Wind advisory in effect Friday for Augusta and surrounding counties

Courthouse: Va. Supreme Ct. dismisses ethics case against retired judges

Gabe Cavallaro
Staunton News Leader
The form of Lady Justice on top of he Augusta County Courthouse in Staunton on Friday. The form of Lady Justice on top of he Augusta County Courthouse located in downtown Staunton. Photograph taken on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015.

The Supreme Court of Virginia on Thursday dismissed a case involving two retired judges' conduct in relation to the November 2016 Augusta County Courthouse referendum.

The Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission of Virginia filed a complaint against retired 25th Judicial Circuit Judge Humes J. Franklin, Jr., and retired Virginia Appeals Court Judge Rudolph Bumgardner III for allegedly violating the state judicial canons on political activity by publicly speaking against moving the courthouse.

Rudolph Bumgardner III

In dismissing the complaint, Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons of the Supreme Court of Virginia wrote, "we conclude that there is not clear and convincing evidence that Judge Bumgardner and Judge Franklin engaged in either 'misconduct' or 'conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice.' Va. Const. art. VI, § 10. Therefore, we will dismiss the complaint."

More on the courthouse:

Courthouse: County sets up committee to map out options

After Alexandria shootings, Pyles faults Staunton for obstructing courthouse security upgrades

The Courthouse: What happens from here

Staunton: City, county need to sit down and discuss courthouse solutions

County unveils courthouse design, city says 'not happening'

 

Further details on the case can be found in the briefing embedded below:

Judicial Inquiry Augusta County | Demurrer | Burden Of Proof (Law)