Posted on 09/23/2005 11:02:24 PM PDT by SmithL
LEBANON, Tenn. - The judge who ordered a Mexican immigrant to improve her English or possibly lose custody of her daughter has been disciplined by state judiciary officials.
Documents from the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary - which is in charge of overseeing the conduct of the state's judges - show disciplinary action was taken against Judge Barry Tatum but do not reveal the exact nature of the action because state law and the court's own rules forbid it.
The disciplinary action against the Wilson County juvenile court judge stems from controversial court orders he issued requiring Hispanic mothers to learn English in child custody cases.
In one of the cases, Tatum told a teenage mother to learn English and use birth control. In a similar case, he ordered another Hispanic immigrant to learn English or face permanently losing custody of her 11-year-old daughter.
A complaint was filed with the Court of the Judiciary by Nashville resident Alex Friedman, who recently turned documents over to The Lebanon Democrat after the court rejected his request for specifics about the disciplinary action.
In an eight-page explanation to the court during its investigation, Tatum referred to the unique language and cultural barriers in these two cases and said an underlying factor in the controversy was the atmosphere generated by the media.
In his response, Tatum said the ability to speak English would allow mothers to more easily take advantage of various social services. He also noted English was already the primary language of one of the children in question.
When reached by the newspaper, a representative for the Court of the Judiciary declined comment on the documents, noting they included a letter from the court's presiding judge terming the disciplinary action confidential.
Was hoping it was the Mass. Supreme Court judges who mis-used the word, 'marriage.' No, not mis-used. Destroyed the meaning of it. What's the penalty for that, I wonder?
Yet another sign that the Apocalypse is upon us! We would not have this problem if a constitutional amendment proclaiming English as the official language of the United States of America were passed.
Message to legal immigrants: "Welcome to America. Now speak English!"
Isn't it just so funny how our constitution has so many rights for illegal aliens written into it?
Was the mother here illegally? I don't remember the case that much.
But you're right, the illegal aliens seem to have more rights than citizens or legal aliens. Treat the criminals better than the ones who are supposed to be here.
Well, the article didn't state it as such, but if you have to tell somebody to learn English, you can bet the farm they're illegals imo.
Upon receiving the disciplinary action he should have just sent a note back with action that read " No hablo ingles". He should accept this until he is informed of the action in Spanish, verbally and written.
Well, the article didn't state it as such, but if you have to tell somebody to learn English, you can bet the farm they're illegals imo.
-----
Seems logical to me. I am sure the editor accidentally forgot that information in the final cut.
When the judge is told of the sanctions, all he has to say is "no comprende."
you are right on. What's good for the goose.
IMO, it was no accident.
The USA is strangely unique in that it does not have an "official" language. Most countries have an official language -many have more than one. Canada's official languages are English & French. Though in Quebec despite its significant Anglophone population -the only official language is French. The Republic of South Africa has eleven official languages. Though many of them are still threatened as a result of diminishing speakers.
What do you mean accident? How do you get anything out of this article that is an accident?
Hmmm... We might have a replacement for Justice O'Conner here!
Cajuns are no longer required to speak English, nor are Navajo, and they aren't even immigrants!
You are correct that there is no requirement.
Strange though that when I go the Korean, Chinese, or Vietnamese grocers or restaurants they speak English or (bless them) try very hard. From older folks to kids.
Mexicans you get a shrug and " no speak englese" unless there is money involved and then they suddenly are quite proficient.
Doesn't mean they can't learn to read or understand other languages.
Concerning Mexicans, we don't have any around here ~ almost all of our local Hispanics come from Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cuba, Columbia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.
As a result, I don't know if Mexicans can understand English or not, but it really doesn't matter locally.
I guess my point is that the hispanics (we have all types as well) don't even try. One of them told my Bosnian immigrant friend, who speaks perfect English since it is taught in their schools, that he needed to learn spanish.
Do not confound "passable" or "conversational" with "perfect".
Is this an illegal alien? If so, she should be deported.
If she is a resident alien applying for citenzship, the judge is correct in ordering her to learn English. To read, write and speak English is a requirement of becomming a citize.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.