Judge Robert Batton of Jacksonville, AR; repeat offender

The state of Arkansas presented Robert Batton with a law license in 1980 after he graduated from the University of Arkansas Law School.

The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission found Judge Batton guilty of the following misconduct after he ascended to his judicial office.

Judge Batton’s 1^st bite at the Judicial Misfit Apple Tree

At the time of his misconduct, Judge Batton was sitting as a part-time Municipal Court judge in Pulaski County, during which time he presided over criminal cases being prosecuted by the County prosecutor.

At the same time Batton he was employed as a judge, Batton represented at least 17 criminal defendants in Pulaski County Court wherein the opposing party (the State of Arkansas) was represented by the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney.

Apparently, Batton was incapable of appreciating and/or of understanding the meaning of the term “conflict of interest” in his zeal to financially enrich himself.

As a consequence of his misconduct, the apologists for Judicial Misfits sitting on the Judicial Commission punished Judge Blackman by gifting him with a complimentary admonition.

Judge Batton’s 2^nd bite at the Judicial Misfit Apple Tree

In one matter, Judge Batton presided over the case of Glen Thomas who was charged with driving with an expired driver’s license. During the course of the court proceedings, Judge Batton spewed forth the following comments that were aimed at Mr. Thomas.

• Made comment that Thomas was an idiot
• “You’re a racist and I’ll let the world know it too”
• Says he believes that Thomas is prejudiced against white people
• As Thomas left the court, Batton said to audience in the court: “There goes another angry Black man.”

As a consequence of his misconduct, the Patron Saints for Judicial Misfits sitting on the Judicial Commission punished Judge Blackman by gifting him with a complimentary reprimand.

As we speak (ca. December 2014), Judge Batton continues to sit as a Pulaski County District Court Judge in Jonesboro, Arkansas.