Judge lays down own law: No all-white juries Transcripts reveal controversial stand

Chicago Tribune ^ | July 25, 2005 | Jeff Coen

[toddlintown]

A judge's comments in recent months that she would refuse to seat an all-white jury have raised eyebrows at Cook County Criminal Court and questions about whether the judge acted inappropriately.

"Folks, you all know I have a rule; I don't seat all white jurors," Circuit Judge Evelyn Clay said as a jury was being picked to hear a murder trial last month, according to court transcripts.

-snip-

Some lawyers who work at the Criminal Courts Building said they see no problem with a judge taking a stand for diversity on juries. "I see her now as a leader in forward thinking," lawyer Sam Adam Jr. said.

[Vigilanteman]

My tagline is guaranteed to excuse you from jury duty.

[samadams2000]

Is that a law meathead?

[samadams2000]

Ive used something along those line but yours has more flair.

[samadams2000]

meathead meaning judge.

[LibertarianInExile]

"If this quote is correct, she's not saying she wouldn't seat all white juries. She's excluding any individual who doesn't have a little color in their blood."

Good point.

She's an idiot either way, however.

[LibertarianInExile]

She must be dumb as rocks.

See http://www.chicagobar.org/public/judicial/greenguide/election96.asp

FOR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (Theis)
EVELYN B. CLAY (D) NOT RECOMMENDED

When you can't even get past the bar recommendation committee, yer stoopid enough to get outsmarted by plants.

[LibertarianInExile]

Evidently, in another case, a prospective juror told her she couldn't be impartial because she'd been recently mugged. The judge tossed her in jail for two hours after saying she was lying. That judge is a real winner, all right.

[yankeedame]

Speaking as a former Chicago resident (1997-1999), how is it even possible to have an all-white jury in Cook County?

LOL!!

[longtermmemmory]

She is an idiot, but keep in mind those bar recomendations are generally crony endorsements. He opponent must have been pals with the committee. (even served on the committee as a stepping stone.) Bar politics are very incestuous.

That said, this points out she is more politician than legally knowledgable. IOW politics first, law last.

[blaquebyrd]

Now why'd you have to go pulling out facts. It's much easier to feel an injustice was done when you can just make up your own facts.

[MudSlide]

She sounds like an ideal canidate for a DamRat appointment to the Supreme Court.

There you go Teddy - won't be asking her any questions..