Judge’s Reprimand Thrown Out

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A special court of review has dismissed a public reprimand of Texas’ top criminal courts judge, who closed her court at 5 p.m., preventing the filing of a last-minute appeal before an execution.

The disciplinary case against Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge Sharon Keller came after she closed the court in 2007 as attorneys for twice-convicted killer Michael Wayne Richard tried to file a last-minute appeal. Richard was executed hours later.

The state Commission on Judicial Conduct had issued a “public warning” to Keller. Keller appealed, claiming the commission exceeded its authority and violated the state constitution.

The special court of review agreed Monday to dismiss the ruling.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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