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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, November 14, 2016

NorCo Judges: We'll Do Whatever We Want

PJ Stephen Baratta
I have told you before that Northampton County's law clerks are an entitled bunch. Though there are some exceptions, most walk around the courthouse with their noses in the air on those rare occasions when they are even seen. They are isolated from the vulgari in a part of the courthouse that is closed off from the rest of the outside world. Little wonder that the persons for whom they work - the judges - are entitled, too.

That can be seen in the imperious tone of a missive that President Judge Steve Baratta condescended to direct at Northampton County Council last week, telling Council it has no role in deciding on the salaries that are set by the judiciary.

So if the judges pay astronomical salaries to its nine judicial law clerks, that's just too bad.

That's what the little people are for.

To see this judicial arrogance in all its glory, you can read Judge Baratta's letter below



Finished?

That's good. Now let me tell you something. With all due respect, Baratta is full of judicial shit. I will explain why on Tuesday.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

No shit!

When was the judiciary ever different in the county? They do what they want and always have.

Anonymous said...

They're a country on their own. Defund the positions, simple.

Anonymous said...

NorCo needs a full-time judiciary; not an entitled House of Lords who steal a good portion of their salaries.

Anonymous said...

There are elections. Retention questions do not guarantee a free pass. Were they paying attention to what just happened? Voters have had it.

Anonymous said...

I guess he told you where the government and people of Northampton County stand.

Anonymous said...

@ 7:51am

Go get 'em tiger....lol

Anonymous said...

Looks like Baratta is farting in your general direction, Bernie. He seems rather cock-sure that he and his peers can't be touched.

Anonymous said...

It's bad enough that the judges make more than a US Senator, but then to have a "let them eat cake" attitude is beyond the pale.

How about this: let's make the judges hourly and have them punch a time clock. See how many hours they actually work.

Anonymous said...

The outrage is understandable. However, the Judge is right about the independence of the judiciary in dealing with its internal administration. So long as the Court is within it's budget, as set by Council, I don't see much that can be done, other than reducing the Court's budget. The clerks used to be an entry level position that lasted no more than two years. There was an expectation of of "moving on" after that time period. Their responsibility is certainly not worth more than public defenders who have the stark reality of representing people facing the loss of their liberty and freedom.

Bernie O'Hare said...

He is absolutely wrong about the Council's ability to set salaries, as I will explain tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

The black robes are all-powerful. Who are we, the common citizens, to question their authority through our elected representatives on County Council? We must bow down to the pious Baratta and his fellow robes.

Anonymous said...

The majority of judges are now Republicans. Why is everyone worried? Republicans are fiscal conservatives who believe in transparent and good government. I doubt they would ever believe in wasteful policies or tax increases.

Anonymous said...

CUT THEIR BUDGET - PROBLEM SOLVED !

Anonymous said...

LEGAL CRIMINALS = JUDGES & MAGISTRATES

Anonymous said...

Yea, and than they ommitt criminals acts by saying shutup shutup shutup? Than there is there collective colludedness to go after innocent indigent children to try to divert there criminal activities? Shit with all the political blue juice running from the federal tit, one has to wonder who and what are the true criminals?
REpublican redd
Not joining any circus carnival no matter the homeschooled jurisdiction

Anonymous said...

Like i have said before Bernie there are 3 parts to county government: THE COURTS, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY and whats left. Don`t mess with the first two.

Bernie O'Hare said...

We shall see.

JoAnnKennedy said...

Doing whatever they want, I can believe that -- having first hand experience HAS ANYONE CONTACTED THE AOPC ??? AND asked for their input ?

Louis Scallenti said...

Doing whatever they want? Sounds like a page out of Barack Hussein Obama's playbook.